AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2009
Fed: Push ahead with republic despite economic woes: Greens
CANBERRA, April 29 AAP - The global financial crisis is no reason to delay taking steps
towards holding a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic, Greens leader
Bob Brown says.
Senator Brown has introduced legislation that would force a plebiscite asking Australians
a "simple yes or no" question about whether they wanted a referendum on the republic issue.
Under the Greens' proposal, the question about whether or not to hold a referendum
would be put on the ballot paper at the next federal election.
Senator Brown said support for a republic had grown since Australia last voted on the
issue 10 years ago.
"The most recent poll on whether Australians should be asked about whether or not they
want a republic showed a two to one majority in favour of that opportunity being given,"
he told reporters on Wednesday.
The Greens leader described as "nonsense" the argument from the monarchists that a
holding plebiscite was tantamount to living in 1930s Germany.
"Australians are a mature nation who can well vote on their own affairs. I think there
should be more questioning opportunities for Australians in telling their politicians
to do more, not less."
Senator Brown said the cost of holding a plebiscite was relatively small and should
not be delayed because of the current financial climate.
"The idea that everything should stop while there is an economic recession has cobbles
on it. Of course we keep evolving and maturing as a society and we need to keep our view
on the long term good of the country as well as the short-term good."
It was also unfair to say that a referendum should be deferred until Queen Elizabeth II died.
"I don't entertain that view at all," he said.
Only eight of 44 referendums held since 1909 have been successful.
AAP srj/kms/tnf
KEYWORD: REPUBLIC GREENS
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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