Foundation for National Renewal
The Constitutional Convention of February 1998
Foundation for National Renewal
The Constitutional Convention of February 1998
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS for WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Groups
DEVELOP DEMOCRACY IN AUSTRALIA
CAMP, Ron (136)
STAINES, Ian (148)
The real question - for the constitutional convention: How to
empower the people?.
Information - 08-9284-3846
NO REPUBLIC - ACM
WITHERS, Reg (128)
HOURN, Geoff (154)
RODGERS, Marylyn (152)
KENNEDY, Philip (101)
MAGILL, David (129)
ISAACS, Robert Francis (125)
MURPHY, Ken (120)
GIBSON, Tricia (106)
COPPIN, Grahame (112)
This is an important election to determine the way Australia
is governed.
Since 1901 we have had the finest Constitution in the world.
Modelled on the Westminster and US systems, it is uniquely ours. It has evolved for almost
100 years and continues to do so.
Our Constitution serves our nation well. Under it we have a
democratic, fully independent and modern system of government recognised and envied
throughout the world. We should not throw it away.
Changing to a republic will irrevocably change our system of
government.
All republican proposals have fallen short. Most alarm
thinking people.
The way we are governed now is not a theoretical invention. It
is a proven system that safeguards us all. Tinkering is dangerous.
In a republic only the rich and elite become president. The
cost to become president will be enormous. It will involve political parties.
Alternatively, having politicians select a president takes power away from the people and
politicizes the position.
The Prime Minister leads this country without outside
interference. He is elected by the people. The Prime Minister will not be in charge if
Australia becomes a republic. The same will apply to each state Premier.
The No Republic team is made up of proud Western Australians
of all generations and from diverse backgrounds. The group reflects today's Australia. It
is led by renowned statesman and former Lord Mayor of Perth, Reg Withers.
We are committed to improving our country but understand the
serious pitfalls of constitutional change, and the need to safeguard our future.
Australia has the strongest democratic system of government
there is. Changing will not make us more independent.
Vote no republic.
THE GREENS (W.A.)
VALLENTINE, Jo (117)
CHAPPLE, Robin (153)
The Greens (W.A.) stand for a republican Australia,
independent of any foreign power. We promote a fresh constitution which guarantees:
The Greens believe the Australian people should decide the
method of choosing the Head of State.
Our primary candidate, Jo Vallentine is a former Federal
Senator and a long time community worker for social change.
Robin Chapple is an environmental consultant and an advocate
for social justice and a sustainable future.
ELECT THE PRESIDENT
ANDREWS, Paul (134)
MURRAY, Ford (137)
BOWRAN, Audrey (130)
REISS, Penny (118)
WRIGHT, Leonie (156)
BACON, Ray (107)
SLADE, Frank (124)
Each Australian must have the right to vote for the President
of Australia, or Head of State. A vote for "Elect the President" is a vote for
yourself having the right to vote for the President instead of letting members of
Parliament exclusively decide who will be President. The Head of Australia has previously
been decided by politicians, who appoint mates, or judges. Australia is more than
politicians and judges. Australia is a diverse society. All Australians regardless of
their sex, race or religion, or who they know, must have the right to stand and vote for
the President of Australia.
Recent events demonstrate the monarchy is out of touch, with
community values and respect for individuals. By electing the President we can demand that
the President stay in touch with people, and community standards. We can also ensure that
our children are encouraged to respect people based on the content of their character, and
their ability to serve Australia rather than who their parents are.
Politicians (in Canberra), are remote from people's needs. The
President will protect Australians outside political groups. The President of Australia
will be the last sentry at the gate of freedom protecting you and your families' rights.
Make sure you have the right to vote for who the President will be by voting for Paul
Andrews (Elect The President).
ALTERNATIVE THREE
TAYLOR, Mal (139)
SLATER, Doug (108)
WILLIAMS, Gordon (131)
JAMIESON, John (141)
EVANS, Milton (109)
TAYLOR, Kathleen Claire (110)
TAYLOR, John Louis (114)
The important issues to be resolved. We must get Australia
back on track, therefore some change to the rules that control politicians are essential.
The Constitution shall belong to the people, and be retained
as amended by the people, placing politicians, government and courts effectively under
people's control.
A body of elected Australian citizens be established to
enforce the rules that limit politicians (government) as entrenched in the Constitution.
The people only, (not politicians) shall have constitutional
right to put forward amendments to the Constitution.
The amended Constitution shall include all the fundamental
principles of common law that the people trust to maintain their freedom.
Following the amendments, the re-drafted Constitution shall go
to referendum.
The above principles are essential to restore hope and
prosperity to Australians.
Australia must re-establish Australian owned manufacturing,
farming and mining industries and limit politicians ability to sellout or destroy them,
this will ensure jobs and prosperity of Australia and its people.
This can only be guaranteed if the people have effective
control of government. The Constitution, the only means available to people to control
politicians and government, to be effective there must be an elected body responsible
directly to the people charged with enforcing the rules laid down in the Constitution.
Alternative Three Box 270 St Marys 2670. 02-9623-6177
02-9826-1670.
succeed@bigpond.com www.users.bigpond.com/succeed/upp
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.
HOLMES a COURT, Janet (115)
I'm proud of Australia's achievements. When I travel overseas,
business people are shocked that we don't have our own Head of State. It's time we did.
TANNOCK, Peter (157)
As a father of five, Chairman of the WAFL, I'm concerned about
the legacy we leave younger generations of Australians. Australia should be proudly
independent.
EDWARDS, Graham (155)
As a Vietnam veteran and former Member of Parliament, I'd be
proud to see a fellow Australian serve as the Australian Head of State.
THOMPSON, Clare (138)
Growing up in the bush, now working as a Perth lawyer, I'm
convinced an Australian Head of State would bring country and city people together.
MITCHELL, Gary (102)
As a Perth businessman I know the importance of getting the
right person for the job. That's why our Head of State should be Australian.
JAMES, Verity (143)
Perth radio and TV presenter. I believe Australia should be
independent. Let's have an Australian as our Head of State.
PLAYLE, Ben (126)
Young Australians deserve a Republic. We identify with
Australian ideals and values, not those of a foreign monarch. We need our own Head of
State.
GILLGREN, Christina (119)
Having a teenage child I'm concerned about the breakdown of
community spirit. What better way to build our Australian identity than having our own
Head of State.
TAN, Carolyn (105)
As a lawyer, I understand the benefits of having an Australian
Head of State. It's something we can all be proud of.
ELECT THE PRESIDENT
O'BRIEN, Patrick (140)
WEBB, Martyn (149)
MANNERS, Ron (147)
HARMS, Jonathan E (158)
PITSIKAS, Terry Anthony (151)
COOKE, Veronica (132)
In this election there are two choices: elect candidates who
support a true republic in which the people are supreme and elect their Head-of-State or
those who support monarchy.
Elect the President candidates headed by Patrick O'Brien is a
grass roots movement which believes that the people should have the ultimate say and that
directly electing Australia's Head-of-State places power where it is safe -- in the
people's hands.
A Head-of-State picked by federal politicians would be just as
unrepresentative as a monarch occupying the post by accident of birth. A true republic is
based on the supremacy of the people, not elites.
We support a constitution that is amendable only by the people
and which includes: effective checks and balances on executive power; greater
accountability of parliamentarians and government to the people above political parties;
and making the people politically supreme.
If we become a republic, we should do the job properly. If the
crown is removed from the system we, the people, must become the nation's sovereign
(highest) authority.
Only our group of candidates fully supports the principles we
have outlined. So let's get it right. Vote one for Elect the President group of candidates
headed by Patrick O'Brien.
Ungrouped candidates
GIUDICE, George (111)
I SUPPORT A REPUBLIC.
Let's use this opportunity to design a system ensuring fair
open democratic government not controlled by cabinet and political parties.
I want:
• An independent parliament not dominated by cabinet
• A popularly elected president as head of cabinet
• Politicians representing electorates not parties
• Referendums on important issues
CHAMARETTE, Christabel (135)
INDEPENDENT FOR A COMMUNITY ELECTED PRESIDENT
I stand for greater democracy;
A President directly-elected by the people,
Carrying their vision,
Willing to speak for the least powerful
And checking the excesses of government.
We do not need rushed change.
Let's take time to listen
Seeking unity
And building strong foundations
For a just, compassionate Australia.
PECH, Ken E (104)
VOICE OF RURAL AND REGIONAL PEOPLE
I am a moderate, supporting a move towards a limited republic
at a rate the average Australian is comfortable with.
I am committed to seeing all Australians retain control of
their destiny.
Married, 6 children, Shire Councillor, President WA Municipal
Association, successful farmer, local and state-wide community involvement.
TENNANT, Brian (146)
REPUBLICAN; AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTIONAL BILL OF RIGHTS
I support in principle an Australian Republic. Equally I
support the necessity of an Australian Constitutional Bill of Rights, similar to that of
the United States of America, and/or the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which only the citizens of Australia can alter by way of a referendum.
LYALL, Rewi (142)
Age: 25
Qualifications: BA (Politics/History)
Occupation: Student (Honours in Politics)
Reject the republican red herring, vote for progressive
constitutional reform. Reconciliation, representative and responsible government,
political rationalism; this can be achieved through a peoples convention. A better
constitution for a better future. Reject party political control of the agenda.
WEBSTER, Peter (122)
AUSTRALIANS FOR A UNITED REPUBLIC
I am for:
I am against:
O'HARA, Phillip Anthony (150)
INDEPENDENT POLITICAL ECONOMIST, PH.D
I promise to encourage free debate, full information and
comprehensive policy recommendations at the Convention; presenting arguments for and
against the major constitutional options:
Vote for informed policy debate!
P. O'Hara
Author of "Republicanism", Encyclopedia of Political
Economy (forthcoming).
TEHR, David (103)
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL ELECTIONS
Moses seeks Aaron (metaphorically speaking!). Transform the
unrecognised sacred rite of voting. Help set my people's wisdom free. Any assistance
advancing this crusade for economic and political stability, accountability, and
inculcation of democratic values welcomed. Financial contributions to: Annual Election
Campaign (a/c 611810074813) at any Commonwealth Bank. Enquiries phone (08) 9272 2611.
CLYNE, David (123)
BILL OF RIGHTS FOR AUSTRALIA
"This is your only opportunity to vote for Australia's
future. We need:
A Republic
A Constitution for our future
Guaranteed rights and freedoms
Individuals before big government
Democracy
The present Constitution was designed for the past and gives
you no rights . Protect your future. Vote for a Bill of Rights".
LOBASCHER, Bryan (144)
INDEPENDENT "YOU ELECT PRESIDENT" REPUBLICAN
STACKPOLE, Vincent (100)
INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN
An Australian Head of State is vital for our identity, but
there must be other benefits for all Australians. I will promote discussion of the
shortcomings of our political system and encourage fundamental change in Australia's
Constitution to ensure our future democracy is both representative and accountable.
http://www.iinet.net.au/^vinka/Republic
Email: vinka@iinet.net.au.
McKERLIE, Colin Robert (127)
CITIZENS NOT SUBJECTS
Our country may be the best on earth. We can make it better.
Let's make it clear - we are confident, independent Australian. An Australian republic
needs a constitution that spells out our rights and duties to each other.
We can trust ourselves with our freedom. We're Australians.
Citizens not subjects.
BARTLETT, Liam (116)
AN OPEN MIND FOR THE FUTURE
As a journalist I know it is crucial to consider both sides of
a debate. When that debate concerns our future, we must hear the entire argument.
I am undecided as to which path we should take but I am
committed to achieving the best possible result for all Australians.
McCUMSTIE, Peter John (145)
Living in Derby, Western Australia and having spent the bulk
of my life in the Kimberley region, I believe I am able to understand the needs of our
regional community and wish to ensure our direct representation in forming the structure
and directions of our future Governments for Australia.
KING, Alan (133)
WAR VETERAN WORLD WAR TWO
Keep our democracy
Keep our Constitution
Keep our beautiful Australian flag
Keep our beloved Queen
Keep our defences secure
TAYLOR, Geoff (121)
BETTER CONSTITUTION, AUSTRALIAN LEADER FOR AUSTRALIA
Democrat, safety consultant, author, university/tafe tutor.
Constitution to include:
REID, Robert (113)
"WESTERN AUSTRALIA FIRST"
Western Australia's interests must be the foremost objective
of anyone selected to represent WA at the Convention. With WA delegates outnumbered, we
risk having our role in the Federation reduced and centralism increased. I will be a
strong State representative and will ensure WA gets a fair deal.
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Last updated: 26 October 2000