The Republic idea: thinking big for the Summit

Those opposed to a republic are using tired arguments against the renewed debate. Their arguments are at odds with the spirit of 2020 and the various other summits that have preceded it.

One anti-republican claim is that only new ideas are welcome and that those previously aired, like the republic, should be excluded. The fact is that many good ideas take time to win wider acceptance. Take the idea of gender equity in public life, for instance. Bryce’s appointment took a very long time. The idea needed to be pushed again and again.

Such ideas need airing and debating at every opportunity. The 2020 Summit is partly about exploring, and in some cases affirming, the merits of such existing ideas.

Another anti-republican argument put forward is that there are other issues of higher priority and of greater practical importance. The Opposition Leader tried the age old argument that issues like drought and economic progress were of higher priority. That approach is timid and narrow-minded. Most of the potential 2020 issues would be ruled out if that was the criteria. Believe it or not a nation can do more than one thing at once and frequently does.

Those opposed to a republic should be ready to continue to argue their case on its merits, in forums like the 2020 Summit, rather than running away from the issue because it is too big and bold for them to contemplate.