The Republic
1. The majority of women attending the Women's Constitutional Convention considered that Australia should become a Republic provided that the principles listed below are adhered to.
2. The principles which must be adhered to in relation to the Republic and all other constitutional changes are:
- full recognition of Indigenous Australians;
- gender equity in all processes of change. That is, in all mechanisms for developing, evaluating and finalising options for change and in the operation of processes for selection of the Head of State;
- gender equity must also be promoted by the outcomes. That is, the effect of a move to a Republic and any other constitutional changes must promote women's equality in society;
- respect for diversity including cultural, religious, and sexual diversity; and
- the need to ensure that social cohesion, political stability and our democratic culture are promoted.
3. That the government ensure that there is properly resourced and
financed discussion and community contribution following on from the Constitutional
Convention leading to a referendum on the Republic by the year 2000. This discussion must
fully address diverse community needs including accessibility issues related to literacy
and language.
Selection of the Head of State
4. The selection / appointment process for the Head of State must
involve women at least to the same extent as men. This means, for example, that if
selection / appointment involves an advisory or determinative college that women must be
represented at least to the same extent as men.
5. The selection / appointment process for the Head of State must
guarantee that women's chances of occupying the position are substantively equal to those
of men. For example, the selection process should address and overcome matters such as
women's disadvantaged status in political parties, women's inferior financial power,
women's restricted access to the media.
Powers of the Head of State
6. The powers of the Head of State should be no greater than those of the current
Governor-General.
7. There should be strong emphasis on the importance of the ceremonial role as a source of
social cohesion and unity.
Civic Education
8. That in order for the whole community to participate effectively in considering whether
additional constitutional reform occurs, there must be an active, effective and immediate
process of civic education which fully addresses diverse community needs including
accessibility issues related to literacy and language.
9. That the government facilitate and assist to resource women's participation in
constitutional change and broad awareness of women's concerns following on from the
Women's Constitutional Convention.
Preamble
10. That there be a new preamble to the Constitution which should be a short, poetic,
symbolic and inspirational statement which makes reference to the land and recognises
Australia's past, present and future. The Preamble should also include:
- a statement to the effect that all Australians are the source of the authority to establish the Constitution eg: We the People of Australia…
- acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander occupation, rights and culture and a statement of regret for past injustices;
- affirmation of our multicultural society;
- commitment to equality including equality between women and men and racial equality;
- commitments to human rights and freedoms, justice,representative democracy, unity, community, diversity, tolerance, and peace; and
- commitments to the environment and ecological sustainability.
11. That the new preamble should be developed through broad consultation which includes
consultation with, and endorsement by, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Bill of Rights
Constitutional Bill of Rights
12. That there be a Constitutional Bill of Rights which builds upon United Nations Human
Rights instruments.
13. The Bill of Rights must include an equality right for women. This must explicitly
protect substantive equality rather than formal equality. It should operate in both the
public and private spheres.
14. To ensure substantive equality the Bill of Rights must contain provision for special
measures to address inequalities in society.
15. The Bill of Rights should specifically refer to the responsibilities of government in
relation to the people.
16. The Bill of Rights should recognise rights in relation to sexual orientation and
education.
Legislative Bill of Rights
17. In the event that a constitutional Bill of Rights is not attainable, that there be a
legislative Bill of Rights.
Electoral Reform
18. That there be seats dedicated at both State and Federal levels for Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander Members of Parliament.
19. That the Senate should be retained as the House of Review.
20. That local government should be recognised in the Constitution.
21. That proportional representation should be entrenched.
Other Reforms
22. That reform measures should be implemented to ensure that Australia plays a full role
in promoting non violence in the resolution of international conflict.
23. That processes be implemented to ensure that more women are appointed to the High
Court.
24. That adequate funding be available now and in the future to ensure that human rights
legislation is accessible to all Australians.
For more information about the Women’s Constitutional Convention held in Canberra, 29-30 January 1998 visit :www.womensconv.dynamite.com.au
Send mail to women.republic@webone.com.au
with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: May 11, 2002