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Margaret Hockey HOCKEY, Margaret THE PEOPLE'S INFORMED DECISION Orientation: Republican. Head of State: President selected by Parliament. Candidate Statement:    Available at the Australian Electoral Commission web site. Further Information: Nindooinbah House Beaudesert Qld 4285 Phone: (07) 5541 1070 Fax: (07) 5541 4375

Statement Biographical details

Allocation of Preferences: 13 allocated, including 1 for self.

2-4  Australian Republican Movement: Sallyanne Atkinson, Paul Everingham, Michael Lavarch
5-6  Independents: Nicholas Aroney, Mike Evans
7  ACC Australians for Constitutional Choice: Robert Redden
8  Independent: Joie Dwyer
9-10  Constitutional Monarchists: Flo Bjelke-Petersen, Glen Sheil
11  Independent: Peter Janssen
12-13  Australian Republican Movement: Sarina Russo, Jackie Huggins

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: MARGARET HOCKEY

Our constitutional Monarchy has served Australia well. However, I believe it is time for Australia to become a Republic, with our own Head of State. I have high regard for members of the British Royal Family but I feel they are not relevant so far as governing Australia is concerned. To have a Head of State elected or chosen by Australia, and not chosen as the representative of the symbolic ruler of another country would have greater relevance to the people of our nation.

Our constitution should be altered as little as possible. I do not believe that the Constitutional Convention should be turned into a means of changing our constitution, by means of public participation.

If a Republic is the choice of the majority of Australians, in a Referendum, there will need to be some constitutional changes. If there are constitutional matters that concern people, other than those changes required to change a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic, they should be raised separately and on another occasion.

I feel that a Head of State should not be "popularly" elected, but should be elected or chosen by a majonty of our Australian parliamentary representatives. However there is great public support for the election of a Head of state "by the people"... there are many differing proposals to achieve this and I believe that these options should be discussed fully at the Convention. This major decision should be made, reflecting the people's wishes, but guided by constitutional experts and government representation.

The convention should be an opportunity for delegates to learn more about our constitution and about the.changes that would be required to become a Republic.There should be discussion among delegates and an opportunity to learn more from each other. The elected delegates should be well aware of the desires of the people who elected them. The Constitutional Convention should reflect these views.We should be represented by people who have the will to research and discuss all matters to be raised in the convention, to make any decisions with regard to this information and not solely according to preconceived views.

I hope that everyone will participate in the vote for delegates to represent us in the Constitutional Convention. I hope that people will contact me if they would like to ask me anything. I am keen to know what most people feel.

I ask for people to have confidence in me and to support me by giving me their votes, as a delegate to represent you at the convention.

MARGARET HOCKEY: BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

I was born in Brisbane in 1941, daughter to Robert and Beryl Persse. I have always lived at Nindooinbah Beaudesert, was educated at St Hilda's School Southport. I am a grazier. I have always worked at Nindooinbah, initially doing clerical work and bookkeeping, and later managing.

I married Patrick Hockey, the artist and grazier, in 1983, and we managed Nindooinbah together. Since then I have furthered my interest in the arts, and since Patrick's death in 1992 have run the property with the assistance of a wonderful manager. We fatten cattle, grow crops to sell and for cattle fodder. I am an accredited Quality Assurance Officer for our Feedlot. I do some catering and host historical and garden tours. As well, we host a number of benefit functions at Nindooinbah.

I am a practicing Anglican, have worked with various community organisations such as the Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. I belong to Zonta International, the National Trust, and the Beaudesert Historical Society, and am Patron of the Kooralbyn International School Art Show. I am a committee member of the S E Qld Open Garden Scheme and of the Beaudesert Arts and Information Centre. I am a member of the National Party and of the Beaudesert Show Society. I am President of the Beaudesert Branch of the Arts Council.

There is possibly more to say. . . But no time for more! !

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Authorised by Margaret Hockey
Published by Ross Garrad, 2 December 1997