In Australia the Senate has held a public hearing on a bill providing for a plebiscite on whether Australia should cut its ties with Britain’s feudal institution. The committee, which is due to report in June, has considered 246 written submissions and has heard nine witnesses.
A bill requiring a plebiscite was referred to the Finance and Public Administration Committee after the Senate decided the issued was “an extremely important one for the Australian Parliament and public”.
If the bill becomes law voters will be asked just to say “Yes” or “No” to a republic. When Australians voted in a referendum ten years ago differences over the method of choosing the president caused an inconclusive outcome.
Australian prime minister Keven Rudd would like to postpone any move towards a republic.