The Australian 2020 summit, which ended here Sunday afternoon, recommended that a plebiscite would be held in two years' time to decide whether the country should become a republic.
Under plans put to the final session on Sunday, a plebiscite - a non-binding vote - on whether to sever ties with the monarchy will be held, most probably alongside the 2010 federal election.
If Australians vote yes, a referendum to decide on the model will be held, probably with the 2013 federal ballot.
Home Affairs Minister Bob Debus drew whoops and cheers on Saturday when he called for a republic by 2010.
But Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who floated a public debate on the republic shortly before his meeting with the Queen last month, played down the prospect of an immediate change.
"Well, the republic has always been a question of when the country and the community would come with us," Rudd told the Nine Network on Sunday.
"I view it this way, you need to have consensus behind you. The fact that this summit was saying, thumbs up to a republic, is a big step forward," Rudd said.
The 1999 republic referendum was lost when republicans could not agree on whether the president should be directly elected or appointed by the parliament.
The plan drafted on Sunday did not propose a model. But the initial plebiscite on whether the country should become a republic is much more likely to get up.
Source:Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article