Constitution Foundation should consider republic debate

29/4/93

Premier Richard Court said today that the Constitution Centenary Foundation was a suitable body to consider options for matters associated with the debate over whether Australia should become a republic.

The Premier said the Constitution Centenary Foundation - set up under the Hawke Labor Government in 1991 and chaired by Sir Ninian Stephen - had the wide community representation necessary to ensure that all options were considered.

"The so-called 'republic advisory committee' announced by Prime Minister Keating is simply another attempt to hijack what is a most important issue for the people of Western Australia, and Australia as a whole," Mr Court said.

"The Prime Minister has nominated seven members of his own and has deigned to allow the States to come up with another two members between them.

"In contrast, the Foundation comprises a board of a dozen members backed by a council with about 60 representatives from across Australia.

"The decision by the Prime Minister to knock back the Foundation's offer to investigate the matter and set up his own committee is evidence that he is not serious about considering all the options but is instead aiming at a pre-determined outcome.

"The people of Australia will make the ultimate decision and they must be provided with all the information so that they are able to make a fully-informed decision," Mr Court said.

The Premier said he would discuss the matter with other State leaders before making a final decision on the State's response to the Prime Minister's latest proposal.

"But in the meantime, the Coalition Government in Western Australia will not be side-tracked by Keating's distractions.

"We have more important matters to deal with, such as creating jobs, attracting investment and building business confidence - all things which were eroded by 10 years of government in this state by Keating's Labor cronies," Mr Court said.