The resignation of the Governor-General of Australia has put the freeing of that country from the British monarchy back on the public agenda, according to the Australian Republican Movement (ARM). Dr. Peter Hollingworth stepped down as Liz Windsor’s representative and head of state in Australia following a scandal involving an allegation of rape and criticism of his decision, while serving as a bishop, to allow a priest who had sexually abused a child to continue working.
John Warhurst, who chairs ARM, said that the resignation showed that “the current system is broken and need replacing.” He added that the Governor-General had resigned because of “the personal and political imperatives” of the Australian Prime Minister, who advises Ms. Windsor in her role of UK-based head of state. He called for a republican constitution that would be democratic and transparent, unlike the existing system.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard is opposed to the democratisiation of his country’s constitution.