The Australian Government announces a referendum on recognition of local government in the Constitution to be held on the same day as the federal election on 14 September. Before the 2010 election, Labor foreshadowed three referendums: the Republic, recognition of Indigenous peoples and local government. Although attempts to get the Indigenous recognition referendum up failed due to lack of government leadership along with a solid dose of racism and resentment among voters, the Republic trails a very distant last and is the only topic to have received no attention during the term of this Government. That will be a haunting legacy of missed opportunity.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
