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A model for an Australian republic

By Chris Golis - posted Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Electing a vice-president then creates a third problem. What is this person going to do? Sitting around waiting for a president to die may become a self-fulfilling wish. Both the US and India have solved the problem by making the vice-president the chairman of the Senate. Again this appears to be a clever and economical solution.

In conclusion I propose the following changes to the Australian constitution using the Indian constitution as a model:

Election of an Australian president every five years by all the members of all the elected parliaments of Australia. The Australian president to have the same rights and privileges as the current governor-general.
Election of an Australian vice-president by a combined sitting of federal parliament. The vice-president to be the head of the senate.

No disrespect to the current Governor-General but I would be proud to see leading scientist and the 2005 Australian of the Year, Dr Fiona Wood, elected as President of Australia.

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About the Author

Chris Golis is Australia's expert on practical emotional intelligence. He is an author, professional speaker and workshop leader. His site is www.thehummhandbook.com.