Foundation for National Renewal
  The Constitutional Convention of February 1998

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS for the NORTHERN TERRITORY

Groups

ALTERNATIVE THREE
O’BRIEN, Lynn A (104)
COLE, Peter (108)
There is no statement for this group.

NO REPUBLIC - ACM
ROSENZWEIG, Paul (103)
PURICH, Melissa (109)
We oppose the formation of an Australian republic.
We defend the Australian Constitution, under which Australia stands as a fully independent nation in the world today, with an enviable record of democratic government.
At the Constitutional Convention, we will propose that the Northern Territory should achieve Statehood before any referendum is held, to give Territorians an equal vote with all Australians.
Paul Rosenzweig, 37, was the Aide at Government House, Darwin for over five years, and has served in the Army Reserve for eighteen years.
Melissa Purich, 46, is an Executive Secretary and daughter of a long serving Territory MLA.

A JUST REPUBLIC
CURTIS, David (111)
GILMOUR, Susan (102)

• You can vote for A Just Republic
• a President elected by the people not politicians. Presidents role to be symbolic with powers limited to those spelt out in the Constitution,
• a Preamble that affirms our democratic freedoms, the rights of indigenous Australians and our character as diverse society,
• a Bill of Rights setting out our individual and collective freedoms,
• ongoing Constitutional review:
  
  • to achieve reconciliation with indigenous Australians
  • equality for Territorians
  • fixed four year parliamentary terms
  • recognise local government
  • review of federation and voting systems

Not just a Republic

AUSTRALIAN REPUBLICAN MOVEMENT
Thanks to the courage and hard work of Australians, this is the best country in the world.
So why can’t an Australian be our Head of State?
We deserve a Head of State who is proud to be Australian.
We deserve a Head of State who is one of us.
FRASER, Ian (106)
My commitment to Australia getting its own Head of State is as strong as my commitment to my local community and to the Territory.
KERR, Christine (110)
I seek to redress the underrepresentation of women and youth in this debate both as a role model and conduit for their views.

Ungrouped candidates

KILGARIFF, Michael John (107)
TERRITORY REPUBLICAN
A third generation Territorian, I will support the Territory at the Constitutional Convention.
A Republic is a natural progression of Australian political and cultural development, and can be implemented with minimal changes to our Constitution.
I am determined that Territorians in a Republic will gain equal rights with other Australians.

WOOLDRIDGE, Ray (105)
NT REGIONAL REPUBLICAN
I can serve you effectively as your Constitutional Convention delegate. My qualifications are, mature aged (50), sound negotiation skills, business proprietor (mining industry), local government experience, regional based Territorian with republican views. I believe passionately in Australia and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to this vitally important historical event.

ELRICH, Fran (100)
AUSTRALIAN REPUBLIC WITH MINIMAL CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
Born in Alice Springs, Kilgariff family member and an Alderman on the Town Council. Currently President of the Alice Springs YMCA and a member of the NT Heritage Advisory Council.
An Australian Head of State would be an important symbol of an independent Australia, achieved while leaving our Parliamentary system unimpaired.

BALDWIN, Steve (101)
Constitutional change in some form will happen, it is necessary for any change to both reflect community wishes and to position Australia for the next century.
I will represent the diverse views of all Territorians and contribute in this process to optimise any change for the benefit of all Australians.

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Last updated: 26 October 2000