Senator Katy Gallagher (ACT) newly announced as co-convenor of the parliamentary republic group (see News Item of 27 August) puts a motion to the Senate asking it to note: that there is (a) significant support across the Australian community for a republic with an Australian head of state and (b) that the process for change could include a constitutional convention to discuss models; a plebiscite to gauge the level of support for the proposal as well as preferred method for appointing the Head of State and a referendum. The motion was quickly hosed down by Senator Mitch Fifield (also a republican) on behalf of the Government, still headed by monarchist PM Tony Abbott at this stage, saying that serious proposals for constitutional change should not be prosecuted by general business motions in parliament and should be left to s.128 of the Constitution and: “The government does not support this motion, but, given that it has no consequence, we will not delay the Senate further from considering issues more vital to the Australian people.” So that was that.