Hello again, all.

I don't know all the details, but I know that Australia's recently-elected Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is a republican. He did not take an oath to the Queen when he took office and when in London recently he told the Queen his intention for Australia to be a republic.

If that happens, what would the effect be on the Australian military?

The possibilities I see may include:

The RAAF and RAN losing their "Royal" titles, as well as Army units; i.e., Royal Australian Regiment.

Crowns would come off military insignia.

Australian vessels no longer carrying the "HMAS" designator.

Just a couple of theories.

Disclaimer: As an American, it would be improper for me to advocate one position or another regarding the republic/monarchy issue. It's for Australians to decide.

Did he really not take the Oath of Allegiance? Interesting, I wonder what effect that would have on the legality of his using ministerial powers.

quote:

Originally posted by Bladensburg:
Did he really not take the Oath of Allegiance? Interesting, I wonder what effect that would have on the legality of his using ministerial powers.

No, he did not take an oath to the Queen.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/wor...age_id=1811&ito=1490

Since I don't know Australian law, I can't say what effect it would have on his ministerial powers.

Yes you are correct - should Australia become a republic then any royal titles or emblems of the British Crown would be removed from government departments - both state and federal.

There has in fact been a Referendum on whether Australia should become a republic and the Australian people voted no, however the question in the Referendum was worded in such a way that it created confusion on how a President would be appointed or elected and many voters were concerned that the appointment of a President rather than an elected President could be another case of 'Jobs for the boys'

Before Australian's vote for a republic they will need to be convinced that the Presidential system is the way to go and if it in any way could be a political appointment - Australian's do not trust their politicans!

I think that it is inevitable that Australia will become a republic especially when Queen Elizabeth ceases to be the reigning monarch and is replaced by say Charles and Camila.

However, all of this republic talk is not high on the public agenda and many Australian's have the attidude 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?' and are more concerned with the practicalities of daily living and other important matters such as the increasing price of beer, the performance of The Wallabies against the New Zealand All Blacks and when the next long weekend is due.

The other item that will eventually appear on the agenda is the changing of the Australian National Flag by removing the Union Jack and my view is that it would create more heated opposition that the republican issue; for many Australian's the Jack on the Australian National Flag is seen as part of their heritage and here is a poem that really sums up the feeling of many in relation to the Australian National Flag,

Our Flag

Our flag bears the stars that blaze at night
In our southern sky of blue
And that little old flag in the corner
That's part of our heritage too,
It's for the English, the Scots and the Irish
Who were sent to the end of the earth
The rogues and the schemers and dreamers
Who gave our Australia its birth.

And you who are shouting to change it
You don't seem to understand
It's the flag of our laws and language
Not the flag of a far away land
There are plenty of people who'll tell you
How when Europe was plunged into night
The little old flag in the corner
Was their symbol of freedom and light.

It don't mean we owe our allegiance
To a forgotten imperial dream
We've the stars to show where we're going
And the old flag to show where we've been
It's only an old piece of bunting
It's only an old coloured rag
But there are thousands who died for its honor
And fell in defence of our flag.

Have the Diggers started spelling honour without the "U" then?

If so roll on the republic, they're practically Spams already.

HA! We spell honour with a "U" as well here in Canada! And BTW, Happy Victoria Day (which used to be called Empire Day here, IIRC), since it's already May 19 here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Day

Yes, Happy Victoria Day to Canada. I thought of going over today (I live near the border) but it's a pain in the neck coming back through US Customs (usually no trouble with Canadian Customs).

I've noticed that some Canadians have adopted American spellings - I don't know why. Oh, well, I often use Commonwealth spellings, so I guess it's the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?

I remember the 1999 Aussie republic referendum. It kind of seems to be the issue that isn't high on the ladder, but yet won't go away, from what I know.

And the Australian flag is just fine, as I see it...I especially like the RAAF Ensign (I have one).

quote:

Originally posted by Bladensburg:
Have the Diggers started spelling honour without the "U" then?

If so roll on the republic, they're practically Spams already.

Struth! Cobber you were spot on in catching that one but I actually think that it is a typo - check the word coloured.

I know for sure that the author of the poem is is as fair dinkum as Wallaby Stew and there is no way that any of her writings would be spelt in the American way.

Cheers.

spelt...isn't that a species of wheat-?