Consult with plebiscites
The time has come for the Australian people to have their say on this country's involvement in the war in Afghanistan.
The people did not have any say in the commitment to war either in Iraq or Afghanistan.
The Australian Constitution only provides for a de-facto dictatorial power for the PM, an absurd situation.
Money spent on the war effort could be used much more profitably for foreign aid purposes in Afghanistan.
A plebiscite on this could be run at election time, late August.
In addition, a plebiscite on the Republic is long overdue.
Voters could be asked, (a) if they want a Republic, (b) if they want to elect the President directly, (c) if they want a symbolic or executive President.
The public has been told that the Gillard Government wants to consult with the people. Plebiscites provide the opportunity to assess the peoples' wishes.
It's called democracy.
Email, 8 Jul 2010
Klaas Woldring, Pearl Beach