The trouble with electing Presidents; and Ted Egan - we're watching you

In determining parliamentary representation, the ALP today seems more and more attracted to, if not the hereditary, at least an aristocratic principle. Under this an increasing proportion of parliamentary representation is being reserved to the great aristocratic Labor families.

If they are prepared to forgive a former inoffensive president, Dr Barry Jones, his very complete but complicated diagrammatic representation of Labor’s education policy for the last election - which was immortally panned by some wag as “meatballs and spaghetti” - he could be part of the answer. They could then vest the federal presidency in Dr Jones, his heirs and successors according to law! No more elections, and no more presidential mandate.

Northern Territory Administrator

According to the Weekend Australian of 22-23 November 2003, the new administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr Ted Egan, once featured in a republican advertisement. Mr Egan has an unusual background for this position; he was once a bush song man, then a poet, filmmaker and champion of Aboriginal reconciliation.

He says he was humbled by the appointment. On a republic he said:

“I think there’ll be a republic in Australia one day, but it’s not on the cards now - if it comes, I’ll go along with it.”

For those who believe that our constitutional system and our Flag are an intrinsic part of the Australian story, that is, most Australians, this aspect of Mr Egan’s appointment, and more importantly, his most recent comment, may make some of us uneasy. But he was appointed in the way most of us prefer. In the absence of evidence that an appointee is unworthy, particularly if he or she does not take the Oath of Allegiance honestly, we should not rush to denounce the appointment.

The opposition of the day recorded its unhappiness about the choice of both Sir William Mckell, and Mr Bill Hayden as Governor General of The Commonwealth. Nevertheless, both turned out to be excellent appointments. Although both had been politicians, they demonstrated that they were able to observe the conventions and fulfil the duties of a representative of that core institution above politics, the Australian Crown, guided no doubt in no small way by the example of the Sovereign.

Let us assume - and there is absolutely no evidence to the contrary - that Mr Egan is an honourable man, and will acquit his duties with distinction. We wish him well, as representative of his Sovereign, and therefore responsible to the people to maintain the traditions of his most important office, and above all to do his duty.