Dr Peter Evans says that republicans can forget about persuading dyed in the wool monarchists, but instead focus their efforts on persuading those who are wary of change because they see the current system as an historically proven and workable form of government.
SOME monarchists are, indeed, out of touch with the modern world but they are the dyed in the wool monarchists, deeply convinced of their ideas and deeply committed to their cause. They have a right to their views but they are not amenable to republican persuasion. They are best left be. But they are not the ones whom I have in mind.
It is those who are not rusted on to the monarchy but simply see it as a dignified, historically proven and workable form of government. Most of these have not had the time to reflect upon the meaning of an Australian Republic and have not seen the reasons for such a republic clearly expressed. We must constantly remind ourselves that it is not possible to persuade anyone by engaging in confrontation. Nor does such confrontation persuade anyone who might be watching it with considerable amusement. This approach inevitably leads to the polarisation of views whereby the participants become more firmly entrenched in their opinion and incapable of reaching a solution.
This has never been more clearly expressed by the Australian people than in the recent 2010 federal elections. The voters have clearly indicated that they will not tolerate a confrontational form of government. They are well aware of opposing ideas but clearly demand rational discussion, respectful argument and a fair resolution. Fourteen million people, in one voice, always speak the truth.
[caption id="attachment_1666" align="alignright" width="200"] Confrontation is pointless
The first requirement of persuasion is listening. People change their views only as much as they are able to at any particular time, not as much as we would like them to. Listening is a sign of respect for another person’s view and paves the way for a change in that view. Apart from rapid conversion all change proceeds slowly like this. This does not mean that it happens at a glacial pace. People can change gently but quickly in a social environment charged with enthusiasm. It is for us to present our opinions in this environment simply and plainly.
There will be many ways that we can present views to those who are not intractably committed monarchists. One I would suggest is to emphasise the value of republic rather than dwell on head of state. After all a republic is a republic of the people of Australia; it is not a republic of a head of state; it is not a republic of the Australian Republican Movement. Both of these play a crucial role and are indispensable. The essence of a Republic is the freedom and dominion of its people. The head of state is representative of the people and should be chosen directly by the people. It is this capacity to directly choose their Representative that appeals most intensely to the Australian psyche. They have stated that quite convincingly.
It was clear from the last referendum on the republic that the people want a say in the choice of their Head of State. This is not something that they were prepared to surrender for all time to the politicians. It is less a distrust of politicians than a wish to retain in perpetuity the right to choose. It is right that they should do so even though an alternative solution might seem less complicated and easier to implement. Politicians have no need to fear such a method of appointment as if it were to threaten the very structure of Parliamentary democracy. The Head of State need only have the same powers as the current Governor General. People are not interested in setting up another level of confrontational government. Far from it; they simply want to retain the power to freely choose their Representative.
It is my view that this guarantee of enduring capacity and empowerment enshrined in the Constitution would be of greatest appeal to those monarchists not deeply committed to the monarchist cause. Others will have a different view and this I respect. It is only my wish that all views be put on the table for all to see.
