July 28, 2005
I've always found the Australian conception of Republicanism strange. 'The republic' had been characterised as separation from the British monarchy, and an Australian head of state.
Republicanism in Australia has not been articulated in terms of a republican political philosophy, which holds that a system of self-government is based on active and public-spirited citizenship requiring participation in political life.
Should not the Australian republic be conceived in positive terms as a reform of our political system to enhance our commitment to the empowerment of citizens?
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