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Margaret Hockey
Independent Candidate

Comments on specific details of the "People's President" proposal

ELIGIBILITY...

I agree with your three requirements.

THE NOMINATION PROCESS...

1. I agree with the "parliamentary nomination" by 10% of members of Federal Parliament. I am not sure about the "elector nomination" by 1% of all enrolled voters. I feel we may get too many and too diverse a collection of candidates for the position … I need to research this further and give it more thought.

2. I think that the close of Nominations should be more than the suggested 28 days. Possibly two months, being 62 days at most.

THE ELECTION PROCESS...

I agree with points 1 & 2. Regarding 3, I feel that if there were to be a "popular" vote to choose from the nominated candidates, that there may have to be some public funds used, to ensure that "political" campaigning and the "wealthy candidate" or "lobby group spokesperson" candidates don't eventuate for this position.

TENURE AND DISMISSAL ...

1... I think that a single five year term may be sufficient... and then a further three years, granted by two thirds majority vote of both houses of parliament, by secret ballot...

2... I agree with these points.

3... I agree with this suggestion, regarding the Chief Justice of the High Court filling the role until Parliament can meet and set the date for nominations.

We need to think more about the powers of an elected Head of State. At this stage I feel that they should not have the power to dismiss parliament... but if it is a requirement that an election should be held within three months, then perhaps the "will of the people" across the nation would be safeguard enough.

For further details: see
Candidate information for Margaret Hockey

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