The models prominently on public display depart so basically from Australian constitutional practice as to offer the exciting allure of imported novelty. Their cost to the democracy we hold on trust for future generations has not rated a mention. Both sides have confined the debate to an entertaining, emotional joust on general preference for republic or monarchy. Few people have been made aware that going to a republic by the wrong model would ruin our democracy. The Constitutional Convention must point Australia to the best way of resolving the republic issue.
Early resolution is important.
Canadian experience shows prolonged, unresolved constitutional debate to be harmful to a federal democracy. Effective resolution requires a process structured so as not to carry inherent bias against either side. Unless all those characteristics are present, many favouring a republic would vote against it rather than put our democracy or federation at risk. The debate must be brought back to reality. So far, the republic has been sold on models that could not be delivered, because they would not pass the scrutiny of the constitutionally cautious electorate in a referendum.