Local leads republican push
Pearl Beach resident Mr Klaas Woldring has become the convenor of the newly formed Republic Now Association Inc.
The association aims to reignite the debate on whether Australia should become a republic, according to Mr Woldring.
"Our major political parties don't want to know about governance change," Mr Woldring said.
"Even the republic has been placed on the backburner in spite of obvious support for a republic with a popularly-elected president.
"Australia's federal system is struggling.
"The fiscal imbalance between Federal and State Governments makes a mockery of federal government.
"Local government everywhere is suffering as the grossly under-funded Cinderella level. "Regional development and decentralisation are not happening.
"Yes, we need that republic but we also need a strategic plan for system change to come with it.
"The Republic Now Association Inc was formed in September 2009 in Gosford to stimulate debate about what kind of Republic Australians want.
"After 10 years of ignoring governance reform we say: Let's get on with it."
Mr Woldring said the association was committed to several issues including the creation of an independent Australian republic, governance changes resulting in the replacement of federation by a two level structure of governance (national and local) with regional administrations indirectly elected forming a third mezzanine level and developing a new Constitution for Australia within five years with extensive involvement by the people.
Mr Woldring welcomed The Greens proposal to hold an early plebiscite on the republic issue but said that there should not be single question.
"To simply ask if voters want a republic invites a possible new rejection," Mr Woldring said.
"There should be two additional questions: Should the president be directly or indirectly elected and do we want a symbolic or executive type president?"
Press release, 11 Nov 2009
Klaas Woldring, Republic Now Association Inc