An Introduction to the
Honorary  
  President

 The Model 
 Apex
 Succession
 Candidates
 Election
 Tenure
 Role
 Governors


 Advantages 
 It's Safe
 Above politics
 Community
 Independence
 Federation


 Resources 
 Questions
 Links
 Contact

Above Politics

Above: Presentation to a Young Indigenous Leader, Ms Tanya Major by the Queensland Governor, Ms Bryce.

The governor is recognised as a non-political leader, representing the whole community. In contrast politicians must fight for votes and influence.

An important facet of our system of government is that its most senior officeholders are above politics. It is the greatest wish of the Australian people that this continues under any proposed republic.

The Honorary President Republican Model overcomes the greatest difficulty of direct election -- keeping out politics.

Firstly, the Honorary President is given no real executive power. This means that candidates cannot make political promises. They simply don't have any power to implement them.

Secondly, there are a guaranteed seven non-political candidates. These are our former governors and governors-general who not only have vital on-the-job experience, they don't need a political party to give them a positive public profile.

Finally, there is the constitutional rule that the Honorary President cannot associate with political parties either as candidates or while in office.

All-in-all this makes the right environment for community leadership.

Next: Our community