There's two issues facing Australian political society over the next few years - the Flag and the Republic. Both changes are inevitable, in the long term at least, so I thought it time to put my two cents worth into the subject.
My Proposed Flag:
My Proposed Flag:
The design consists of the black and red of the Aboriginal flag along with the Southern Cross in gold and, in the top left, a variable number of stars - in gold - representing the current states and territories. Like the original US flag (which had 13 stars for the 13 original colonies), this can be expanded if new states are created - such a Far North Queensland or New England. Oh, and by the way, don't get too hung up about the shape of the stars...it's all I could do quickly!
My Proposed Republic
Many of you know of my disenchantment with political parties both here and overseas. I'd love to see Australia become a republic where both houses of parliament are filled with nothing but independents voted for as each electorate's representative rather than a representative of a party.
As for the President, he or she should also be an independent voted for by the people. However, you would probably have to have a number of run-off polls to successively narrow the field.
Once elected, the President would then get to select a cabinet from anyone in the country who was suitably qualified and whose nomination was passed by both Houses.
What? You mean this sounds a little like the US system? Well, yes it does. Their constitution works admirably - albeit with some occasional hiccoughs - but with a little Aussie tinkering I'm sure it could become the groundwork for an even better, more democratic way of doing political business.
My Proposed Republic
Many of you know of my disenchantment with political parties both here and overseas. I'd love to see Australia become a republic where both houses of parliament are filled with nothing but independents voted for as each electorate's representative rather than a representative of a party.
As for the President, he or she should also be an independent voted for by the people. However, you would probably have to have a number of run-off polls to successively narrow the field.
Once elected, the President would then get to select a cabinet from anyone in the country who was suitably qualified and whose nomination was passed by both Houses.
What? You mean this sounds a little like the US system? Well, yes it does. Their constitution works admirably - albeit with some occasional hiccoughs - but with a little Aussie tinkering I'm sure it could become the groundwork for an even better, more democratic way of doing political business.
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