Democratic Alternative Information Service:
  Constitutional Convention
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Orientation: Republican.
Head of State: President elected by the people.

Candidate Statement:    Available at the Australian Electoral Commission web site.

Further Information:

63 Dolphin Drive
Bongaree Qld 4507
Phone: 015 698 366 (business hours) or (07) 3408 2523 (after hours)
E-mail: s328819@student.uq.edu.au

Allocation of Preferences: None allocated  (see How Preferences Work)

The Way I See It

The upcoming constitutional convention should be one of the most important gatherings of Austarlians since the first convention was held to write the constitution. Unfortunately, though, not many Australians really know what's going on, least of all people my own age. I am a 20 year old engineering student at the University of Queensland who is concerned as to the direction our nation is heading as we approach a new century.

The change to a republic is inevitable. We have far outgrown any ties we had with Great Brittain and the monarchy. It's time to change. But now comes the question of what we change to. Do we adopt the American system? Do we follow some other republics model? Personally, I think that we need to develope a system of government that is right for us.

This is the reason that it is important not to have a long list of household names at the convention. It would do our nation more good to have people at the convention who are there because they are honestly concerned and aren't trying to further their political careers.

The sort of republic that I would like to see is one in which the Head of State is elected by the Australian people. But I don't want to see them have full powers of veto, this is far too much power and responsibility for one person to have. The powers of veto should rest with three people. The Head of State, an elected Governor, and as a third party, the Attorney-General is one division of power that could be feasible.

I don't see any particular need to change the flag. It is part of our heritage and our identity.

I also don't believe that the change to a republic should be a hurried one. I don't think that a change to a republic by the year 2001 is feasible nor practical. Australia needs a constitution that works for Australia, not a hurried slapped together joke book.

I am disturbed by the lack of young Australians concerned about the convention. The decisions being made at the convention will effect us for the rest of our lives. We will be the first generation to feel the full ramifications of the decisions made in Canberra, so we need to have our say.

Consider who you are voting for carefully, your vote will more than likely effect our nation for many years to come.

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Ross Garrad, 25 October 1997