Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes significant support across the Australian community for a transition to an Australian republic with an Australian head of state; and

(b) acknowledges that any steps towards an Australian republic would require widespread community engagement which could include: holding a constitutional convention to discuss potential models for an Australian republic, a plebiscite to gauge support of the Australian population on a change from a constitutional monarchy to an Australian republic with an Australian head of state as well as a preferred model of appointment, and a constitutional referendum to adopt the preferred model for an Australian republic with an Australian head of state.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute.

The government does not believe that serious proposals for constitutional change should be prosecuted by general business motions in the houses of parliament. There are established and respected procedures for altering the Constitution, as set out in section 128 of the Constitution. The government does not support this motion, but, given that it has no consequence, we will not delay the Senate further from considering issues more vital to the Australian people.

Question agreed to.