Republics

'The Ultra-Minimalist Republic: A Roadmap' by Helen Irving in Benjamin Jones and Mark McKenna (eds) Project Republic: Plans and Arguments for a New Australia (Black Inc, 2013) 155-165 argues

The goal of an Australian republic, once popular, and almost achievable, has receded in the fifteen years since the failure of the 1999 republic referendum. The issue, however, will not go away forever. As referendums are in the air – including on the constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians – it is worthwhile revisiting the republic question, and asking: what are the minimal constitutional changes that are needed to achieve a republic and that, against the record of Australian referendums, are likely to have any chance of success? This article offers an overview of the relevant constitutional landscape.