With the Governor-General having stepped aside to fight a charge of rape against him (subsequently dropped) and considering legal action to clear his name resulting from the adverse findings of an Anglican Church inquiry into the handling of child sex…
The Governor General is embroiled in further controversy about his actions as a former archbishop of the Anglican church (see News Update of 28 February 2002 below). This again highlights issues around the method of appointing the Queen’s representative in…
The Victorian Government announces that it will advertise the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the first time – previously, chief justices were appointed on the advice of the retiring incumbent to the Government of the day.
Dr Helen Irving, author, lecturer in law at the University of Sydney and who has written extensively on the constitutional aspects of an Australian republic, is named by the Republican Clubs of Australia as Republican of the Year.
Quentin Bryce, feminist lawyer, former Sex Discrimination Commissioner and monarchist, was announced as the next Governor (Queen’s representative) of Queensland. Debate about the appointment took place in the Queensland parliament – a first – after the appointment was confirmed by…
A conference on Australia’s Constitutional Future was held in Brisbane and topics addressed included the republic and the Head of State. There were only a small number of women speakers: Dr Linda Burney of Sydney (now a member of the…
The Australian published the results of a Newspoll which showed momentum for direct election of the President was growing. The survey of 1200 people revealed that 51% were in favour of Australia becoming a republic (46% of women compared with 57%…
Senator Amanda Vanstone in a speech to an ARM dinner in Canberra told republicans that they need to engage at grassroots and work in concert with local representatives to convince politicians at all levels that the republic is an issue…
Five papers on the republic and related topics were delivered at the Women’s Constitutional Convention 2002, Trust the Women: the Next One Hundred Years, commemorating 100 years of the women’s vote and the 40th anniversary of all indigenous women getting…
As controversy swirls around the office of Governor-General, there is renewed interest in the republic, the method of appointing the Head of State and the type of person who is suitable for the job. Some women have written letters to…
