As a nation ponders change, what will help?

Focus: Australia

By Beverly Goldsmith

In the not too distant future, Australians may be voting in a referendum to decide whether their nation should remain a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State, or become a republic with an Australian president. The author of this article, who is an Australian citizen, shares with us how she is approaching this momentous question of change.

When folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary sang "The Times They Are a-Changin'" back in the sixties, I could not even begin to envisage the kind of changes that lay ahead for the world. Nor did I ever anticipate that after 228 years of colonial ties with Great Britain, my country would contemplate becoming a republic. Yet this is exactly what is occurring today.

For some time, discussions have been taking place here about this historic proposal. Monarchists want the Australian Constitution to remain as it is. Republicans seek constitutional reform. Many people consider the proposed change to be a radical shift. Others see it as natural progress.

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