Since when did the Australian people vote to share government with the Holy See? This undermines the separation of church and state, which is the hallmark of a secular society, which we are supposed to enjoy in Australia. An embassy in Rome is also an awful waste of money.
Finally, does the appointment require a religious test (one cannot imagine - god forbid -a Muslim or an atheist being appointed)? If so, the Australian Government may be in breach of s. 116 of our Constitution, which proscribes the application of a religious test for public office. Perhaps a legal challenge is warranted.
Therefore, one must ask, is it appropriate for Australia to continue diplomatic relations with, and appoint an ambassador to, the Holy See, with its associated government alliance with, and taxpayer expense on, that religious organisation? Ireland has ceased its diplomatic relationship with the Holy See for some time.
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We need to tell our government that we object to being required to fund this entanglement of state and religion.
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