A new monarch.

[V8Ian]

A new era with the passing of the Queen. A sad time, I doubt we'll ever see another Monarch as much loved as Queen Elizabeth ll.

[JDNSW]

A sense of deja vu - I remember seeing pictures in the papers of the same gates at Buckingham Palace, with crowds reading the bulletin about the king's health posted at the gates.

[V8Ian]

You are a member of an exclusive club, John. The late Queen was the longest serving monarch in the world.

[loanrangie]

The start of the end i think, chucky wont be loved as much as the queen was.

[1950landy]

Me thinks Australia will be now looking at leaving the British Empire.
Was also thinking the mint will be bringing out a coin to celebrate the Queens & our new coins will have Charles no them, God forbid.

[ozscott]

Me thinks Australia will be now looking at leaving the British Empire.
Was also thinking the mint will be bringing out a coin to celebrate the Queens & our new coins will have Charles no them, God forbid.I doubt it mate. The 'champions' of a Republic are no longer at the helm. Cheers

[Saitch]

Me thinks Australia will be now looking at leaving the British Empire.
Was also thinking the mint will be bringing out a coin to celebrate the Queens & our new coins will have Charles no them, God forbid.

It's done!

180774

[p38arover]

Me thinks Australia will be now looking at leaving the British Empire.

It's not the British Empire and hasn't been for decades. I doubt we'd leave the Commonwealth.

[JDNSW]

I see little appetite for Australia to either leave the Commonwealth or to become a republic. While I think that it is quite possible for Australia to become a republic, it is only going to happen when the majority want it to happen, and not rapidly even then.

I think getting a majority to come to this view is not likely unless either the monarchy or the British Government screw up pretty badly in a way that directly affects Australia, or perhaps if Australia and Britain gradually move onto very different paths. This, I thought was likely when Britain effectively turned towards Europe rather than the Commonwealth, and maybe it was behind the republic push here a few decades ago, but if the relationship survived that............

[trout1105]

It's done!

180774

It is not charlies fault that he is called wingnut[bigwhistle]
We will definately need bigger coins for his portrait [biggrin]

[V8Ian]

It's done!

180774
How irreverent! :bat:
But amusingly accurate. [bigwhistle]

[loanrangie]

It's not the British Empire and hasn't been for decades. I doubt we'd leave the Commonwealth.We should follow South Africa's lead and become a republic but stay in the commonwealth.

[trout1105]

Maybe we should reflect on the fact that this old lady spent over 70 years of her life doing the same old job day in and day out and her ONLY "out" was death.
Love her or Hate her she made a pretty good fist of it over her lifetime and the political sytem that we inherited from the Brits (Despite some of the tossers we have elected) seems to be working better than in many other places in the world So why would we want to change that sytem?

We are stuck with Big Ears as a Monarch, Who really cares it is what it is.

[vnx205]

A sense of deja vu - I remember seeing pictures in the papers of the same gates at Buckingham Palace, with crowds reading the bulletin about the king's health posted at the gates.

That makes you a part of a very tiny part of the world's population who remember someone other than Queen Elizabeth II on the throne.

As I am a few years younger than you, I was too young during her father's reign to have a clear recollection of that time.

[JDNSW]

Now you are making me feel old!

[Saitch]

I wonder if Chuck will decide to pull the pin, pre-coronation and hand it over to the young fella?

I have a similar opinion to Trout. We have what we have. I've always been ambivalent about the monarchy, but always recognised how regal Elizabeth was in any situation. A pretty strong woman, in my opinion.

[BradC]

I see little appetite for Australia to either leave the Commonwealth or to become a republic.

Now that's interesting. From my limited view I've seen a lot of grandstanding empty vessels making a lot of noise about wanting out, but perhaps it's just the media beatup.

I have / had a massive amount of respect for the Queen. I believe she discharged her duties with dignity and grace, and regardless of any personal opinion maintained steadfast impartiality. That is incredibly impressive not only as a stand-alone feat, but to maintain that for over 70 years.

I feel the world lost a beacon of diplomacy today.

[Arapiles]

Me thinks Australia will be now looking at leaving the British Empire.


The British Empire ended some time ago ....

[Arapiles]

I see little appetite for Australia to either leave the Commonwealth or to become a republic. While I think that it is quite possible for Australia to become a republic, it is only going to happen when the majority want it to happen, and not rapidly even then


The fundamental problem is that there's no agreement as what we are talking about when we talk about being a republic - a change to a US-style polity that fuses the role of head of state and head of the executive in a president? Or the Irish model, where we retain Westminster government but appoint the head of state ourselves? Or simply declaring that our sovereignty arises from the will of the Australian people?

The US model would be a disaster - it's far and away the most unstable system of government, whereas the Westminster model is very stable.

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

We should follow South Africa's lead and become a republic but stay in the commonwealth.
I doubt it is worth the paperwork. I suspect it would be a bit like when the new boss decides to "modernise and improve" the company by getting a new letterhead and logo made up....
There's productivity for you[thumbsupbig].

[jonesfam]

As long as Australia still flogs everyone at the Commonwealth games.

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

IIRC Queen Liz loved her animals and chose to drive a Defender...says a lot about a person https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/icons/icon14.png

As for King Chuck the 3rd, I think he'll be alright. He's been in training for the job for about 70 odd years so should know what to do.

[BradC]

IIRC Queen Liz loved her animals and chose to drive a Defender...says a lot about a person https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/icons/icon14.png

As for King Chuck the 3rd, I think he'll be alright. He's been in training for the job for about 70 odd years so should know what to do.

He has, however he's also blotted his copybook a number of times. I hope he'll now aspire to the level of impartiality his mother gracefully exhibited.

[Max Headroom 2.3m]

He has, however he's also blotted his copybook a number of times. I hope he'll now aspire to the level of impartiality his mother gracefully exhibited.

Agreed, but as said he was still in training. Big shoes to fill.

[trout1105]

He has, however he's also blotted his copybook a number of times

Yes he has But compared to his brother he is a saint[bigwhistle]

[Saitch]

Yes he has But compared to his brother he is a saint[bigwhistle]

Does the C of E have saints?

[JDNSW]

Does the C of E have saints?

I'm pretty certain they do, and I have an idea that there are even some kings that have been designated saints, although none since the reformation.

As whenever anything to do with the monarchy comes up, the republican opinions surface with the death of Elizabeth. After many years to think about it, I think it comes down to one simple question - do you want to have, as head of state, a politician, or someone who has been trained pretty much from birth for the role? For example, Donald Trump or Elizabeth R?

Neither is guaranteed to give satisfactory results, although this example does show the definite advantages of keeping head of state separate from head of government.

And the career of Elizabeth does show the advantages of a job for life - continuity over a long period.

Of course it may be possible to design a republican model where you don't end up with a politician as head of state - but experience round the world does not seem to give this idea much support!

My conclusion is that although I am not keen on having a foreign head of state, I have yet to see a republican model that would definitely be an improvement, let alone one likely to be passed in a referendum today or in the near future.

[ATH]

I'm not against the idea of a republic as such but seeing the mess most of them are in, I reckon we're better off as we are. The monarchy doesn't interfere with what we do or what anyone else in the Commonwealth does so is not a problem.
I am looking forward to the unseemly scramble by all those red flag waving unionists to get job of First President of Oz. Then we'll see huge spending as our "leaders" show the world how it should be done.
A new Presidents Palace but of course they won't actually it that. New fleet of jets to whizz him/her around the world on a never ending gabfest trip. New huge fleet of vehicles fully armoured of course in the best traditions of a republic.
It goes on and on.
The cost of all these grand projects to show everyone else we are governed by one of our "own" will be massive.
AlanH.

[V8Ian]

Does the C of E have saints?
There are parents from all over Brisbane, who believe Churchie is full of them. :angel:

Calendar of saints (Church of England) - Wikipedia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_of_saints_(Church_of_England))

[V8Ian]

Phillip came to me today,
and said it was time to go.
I looked at him and smiled,
as i whispered that "I know"
I then turned and looked behind me,
and seen I was asleep.
All my Family were around me,
and I could hear them weep.
I gently touched each shoulder,
with Phillip by my side.
Then I turned away and walked,
with My Angel guide.
Phillip held my hand,
as he lead the way,
to a world where King's and Queens,
are Monarch's every day.
I was given a crown to wear
or a Halo known by some.
The difference is up here,
they are worn by everyone.
I felt a sense of peace,
my reign had seen its end.
70 years I had served my Country,
as the peoples friend.
Thank you for the years,
for all your time and love.
Now I am one of two again,
in our Palace up above.
(Author Unknown)

[Arapiles]

I'm not against the idea of a republic as such but seeing the mess most of them are in, I reckon we're better off as we are. The monarchy doesn't interfere with what we do or what anyone else in the Commonwealth does so is not a problem.
I am looking forward to the unseemly scramble by all those red flag waving unionists to get job of First President of Oz. Then we'll see huge spending as our "leaders" show the world how it should be done.
A new Presidents Palace but of course they won't actually it that. New fleet of jets to whizz him/her around the world on a never ending gabfest trip. New huge fleet of vehicles fully armoured of course in the best traditions of a republic.
It goes on and on.
The cost of all these grand projects to show everyone else we are governed by one of our "own" will be massive.
AlanH.


It is possible to be a republic and not adopt the presidential system.

At its most basic level a republic is simply a country whose sovereignty resides in the people.

And in regards to republics, Norway, Sweden and Germany all appear to be doing OK ....

Interestingly, Wikipedia regards Australia as already being a republic.

[JDNSW]

It is possible to be a republic and not adopt the presidential system.

At its most basic level a republic is simply a country whose sovereignty resides in the people.

And in regards to republics, Norway, Sweden and Germany all appear to be doing OK ....

Interestingly, Wikipedia regards Australia as already being a republic.

I suggest a little more research is needed - two out of the three countries mentioned are constitutional monarchies! But as you say, they seem to do OK.

[Arapiles]

I suggest a little more research is needed - two out of the three countries mentioned are constitutional monarchies! But as you say, they seem to do OK.

Well, interestingly, Norway and Sweden - and the UK and Australia - are called crowned republics by some people because they are "Countries that are constitutional monarchies, but which function largely as republics".

[trout1105]

Well, interestingly, Norway and Sweden - and the UK and Australia - are called crowned republics by some people because they are "Countries that are constitutional monarchies, but which function largely as republics".

Isn't that the same as being partly pregnant[bigwhistle]

[Arapiles]

It's done!

180774


BTW, he'll be facing to the left, not the right.

[Saitch]

Depends on the WEF.

[DiscoMick]

Elizabeth was remarkable and certainly earned great respect for her public service.

Apparently under the Currency Act our coins and $5 note will get Charles' likeness, but the other notes remain unchanged.

The current proposal for an Australian head of state is for state and territory parliaments to each nominate an eminent person and then the federal parliament would choose a person from among them to become president, which would be a largely ceremonial role, like the GG.

[Arapiles]

The current proposal for an Australian head of state is for state and territory parliaments to each nominate an eminent person and then the federal parliament would choose a person from among them to become president, which would be a largely ceremonial role, like the GG.


Actually, the ARM's proposal is for each State parliament to propose someone, and Federal parliament to propose three, and then there's a popular vote on the candidates. What you're describing sounds like the Irish system, but without the popular vote element.

[V8Ian]

I'm surprised how much Liz and I had in common.
180793
180794
It's amazing we never bumped into eachother.[biggrin]

[BradC]

I'm surprised how much Liz and I had in common.
180793
180794
It's amazing we never bumped into eachother.[biggrin]

I can't tell. Which one is you?

[V8Ian]

I can't tell. Which one is you?
The round, yellow one, right at the very bottom. [bigwhistle]

[BradC]

Ah yes. I see, except Her Majesty is riding a motocycle rather than an armchair. :tease:

[RANDLOVER]

As long as Australia still flogs everyone at the Commonwealth games.

I heard the Commonwealth Games described as like the Olympics but without the cheats.

[DiscoMick]

Charles inherits a personal fortune of about 500 million pounds, part of the royal estate, valued at about 28 billion pounds.
As Duke of Cornwall Prince Charles voluntarily paid 45% income tax on his annual income of 21 million pounds from the Duchy of Cornwall, valued at about 1 billion pounds, so good on him for doing that.
That now passes to William.

Queen Elizabeth'''s will and net worth: Who will inherit her fortune | Fortune (https://fortune.com/2022/09/08/who-inherits-queen-elizabeth-net-worth-will-fortune-will/)

For me, it's not about if Elizabeth and Charles are good or bad people, that's irrelevant.
I don't talk about a republic either, because minds immediately jump to Trump and his misbehaviour.
I just want an Australian head of state, with a largely ceremonial role like the GG, like a wicketkeeper who picks up the ball when the players drop it and acts to ensure the game continues.
I'd be quite happy with an eminent non-political person chosen by federal parliament.
I suspect many others agree.

[Saitch]

I'd be quite happy with an eminent non-political person chosen by federal parliament.
I suspect many others agree.

A fine sentiment, DM.

Unfortunately, as this Head of State would more than likely be a human, politics will be involved.

[trout1105]

A fine sentiment, DM.

Unfortunately, as this Head of State would more than likely be a human, politics will be involved.

Barnsey for President [thumbsupbig]

[Saitch]

Barnsey for President [thumbsupbig]

That raises an interesting thought.
Would the HOS have to be Australian born? If so and they had to be a muso, I'd go for Tim Rogers. [smilebigeye]

Also, will the Prince Charles Hospital change title?

[loanrangie]

Best thing to come out of this, an extra day off for the Grand Final long weekend [thumbsupbig].

[one_iota]

Our scrabble board on Friday night :eek2::eek2::eek2:

180803

[V8Ian]

Mostly four letter words, I expected better from you, Mahn. [tonguewink]

[Ferret]

... I'd go for Tim Rogers. [smilebigeye]

Yeah I'd go with Tim Rogers too. Barnsey is not eminent enough.

[BradC]

I honestly can't think of an Australian I'd nominate to be head of State.

Nobody I know of has that dispassionate, impartial, apoliticial diplomacy. Everyone has a barrow to push.

[Arapiles]

I honestly can't think of an Australian I'd nominate to be head of State.

Nobody I know of has that dispassionate, impartial, apoliticial diplomacy. Everyone has a barrow to push.


Well there's me.

[BradC]

Well there's me.

I could nominate you, but who in their right mind would second anyone I nominated?

[DiscoMick]

A friend whose daughter works in parliament house Canberra said it was a madhouse on Friday in a mad rush to change signs, letterheads, legal documents and a million other things to reflect the change from Queen to King.

[Arapiles]

A friend whose daughter works in parliament house Canberra said it was a madhouse on Friday in a mad rush to change signs, letterheads, legal documents and a million other things to reflect the change from Queen to King.

A mate of mine is (that is, was) a QC - as I checked his on-line profile they updated it to make him a KC.

[ozscott]

A mate of mine is (that is, was) a QC - as I checked his on-line profile they updated it to make him a KC.Was automatically done by the Australian Bar Association and in Qld by the Qld Bar Association. Would be the same in UK of course. Cheers

[spudfan]

Seems appropriate..

[ozscott]

Seems appropriate..He used to like a green D1 at the Scottish residence. She appeared to favour the Deefer. Both had good taste in vehicles. Cheers

[scarry]

He used to like a green D1 at the Scottish residence. She appeared to favour the Deefer. Both had good taste in vehicles. Cheers

The King has a Tesla as well.

[ozscott]

The King has a Tesla as well.Prince Phillip did drive a Feelander II aswell but I wasn't going to raise that...well he did drive it until it turned turtle. Cheers

[one_iota]

Mostly four letter words, I expected better from you, Mahn. [tonguewink]

Unfortunately, not having the letter "C", I was unable to play the word "DECEASED" [bigsad]

[V8Ian]

Unfortunately, not having the letter "C", I was unable to play the word "DECEASED" [bigsad]
We'll have to get together, I can teach you how to cheat. [wink11]

[one_iota]

We'll have to get together, I can teach you how to cheat. [wink11]

Cheating is the only way I could beat Sal. Not unusual for her to be 100 points ahead! She's also a Bridge Troll!

[Arapiles]

Was automatically done by the Australian Bar Association and in Qld by the Qld Bar Association. Would be the same in UK of course. Cheers

The ABA advised/confirmed that QCs became KCs and nothing further was required, specifically they don't have to be re-appointed under letters patent. But it was my mate's Chambers that updated his profile on their website from QC to KC.

[ozscott]

The ABA advised/confirmed that QCs became KCs and nothing further was required, specifically they don't have to be re-appointed under letters patent. But it was my mate's Chambers that updated his profile on their website from QC to KC.Yes most people seem to have got onto it quickly for their Web pages. Cheers

[DiscoMick]

I see the Queen's dogs are not all corgis, as I had thought. She also had dorgis - dashaund/corgi crosses.
I wonder what happens to the Queen's dogs? I can't imagine them being sent to the pound for adoption. Maybe she left them an inheritance.

[Saitch]

I read somewhere that Prince Andrew is inheriting some and Fergie the rest.

[Arapiles]

I see the Queen's dogs are not all corgis, as I had thought. She also had dorgis - dashaund/corgi crosses.
I wonder what happens to the Queen's dogs? I can't imagine them being sent to the pound for adoption. Maybe she left them an inheritance.


Apparently she only had two dogs, not related to her old dogs, and they were given to her by Prince Andrew in 2021, so he and Fergie will look after them.

Queen’s beloved corgis to go to Duke and Duchess of York (https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/duke-and-duchess-of-york-will-take-on-queen-elizabeth-s-beloved-corgis-20220912-p5bh8t.html)

[spudfan]

Apparently she only had two dogs, not related to her old dogs, and they were given to her by Prince Andrew in 2021, so he and Fergie will look after them.

Queen’s beloved corgis to go to Duke and Duchess of York (https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/duke-and-duchess-of-york-will-take-on-queen-elizabeth-s-beloved-corgis-20220912-p5bh8t.html)

So they will join Andrew in the dog house....

[DiscoMick]

I see the likeness of Charles on our coins will look left in a 'new direction'.
The Greens should like that, but Pauline might have a hissy fit.

Also interesting TV ratings crashed in the 3 days after the channels began running continuous coverage.
As Barrie Cassidy said, the channels have misread their audience.

[Arapiles]

I see the likeness of Charles on our coins will look left in a 'new direction'.
The Greens should like that, but Pauline might have a hissy fit.

Apparently the convention is that the direction the monarch is looking is switched each time: the Queen was oriented to the right so the King will be oriented the opposite direction.

[spudfan]

From "Tree Tops" by Jim Corbett

[TonyC]

Apparently the convention is that the direction the monarch is looking is switched each time: the Queen was oriented to the right so the King will be oriented the opposite direction.

On the $5 note she is looking left, will Charles look right on the note??

Tony

[Saitch]

will Charles look right on the note??

Tony

No, Tony. They should have someone else more suitable.[smilebigeye]

[V8Ian]

Poor old Liz, seventy years on the job and never got to cut her long service leave out. [bigsad]

[trout1105]

Apparently the convention is that the direction the monarch is looking is switched each time: the Queen was oriented to the right so the King will be oriented the opposite direction.

This is usually the case But George V faced left on the coins and so did Edward VI his successor

[1950landy]

Poor old Liz, seventy years on the job and never got to cut her long service leave out. [bigsad]

And won't get a letter from herself when she turns 100 now.[bighmmm]

[NavyDiver]

I did wonder when they arrested rather than quietly moved a "Not My King" shouting person a few days ago if it might not be the best way of keeping the peace



"A crackdown on protesters holding "Not my King" and "Abolish the monarchy" signs in the UK has sparked a series of new demonstrations, amid fears freedom of expression is being squashed in the wake of the Queen's death.As Britons mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and the new King tours his kingdom, some public events and locations have attracted protesters holding pro-republic and anti-monarchy signs.
The non-violent protests became a talking point after police in Edinburgh and Oxford made arrests, and one woman holding a sign was asked to move away from the gates of the Houses of Parliament ahead of the King's arrival.

Now in response, blank banners and white pieces of paper are featuring in new protests as concerns are raised about the behaviour of police and any possible infringing of the basic human right of freedom of expression.

"

The show must go on of course (ABC news link) (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-14/uk-anti-monarchy-protesters-arrested-raising-free-speech-fears/101436854) [biggrin]

Must admit IF I was given an Order from some of this crew I might question it.

[B]London: The decision to deny Prince Harry the right to wear military uniform at events commemorating his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II cannot erase his decade of military service, his team has said.

Only working members of the royal family will wear uniforms at five ceremonial events scheduled during the period of mourning
"the King wore full day ceremonial uniform with the rank of Field Marshal,
the Princess Royal wore Royal Navy full ceremonial uniform in the rank of Admiral and the
Earl of Wessex wore the blues uniform of the Honorary Royal Colonel of the Wessex Yeomanry."
the age link (https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/prince-harry-s-ban-from-wearing-military-uniform-doesn-t-diminish-his-service-20220914-p5bhyw.html)
I know its a game but really! Harry did 10 years at least!

[Arapiles]

This is usually the case But George V faced left on the coins and so did Edward VI his successor

Interesting - but only because of Edward's vanity:


"Tradition dictated that each new monarch’s image on coins should face the opposite way to their predecessor. His father, George V, who had died that January, had looked to the left so this convention meant that his son, the new king Edward VIII, should have looked right. But Edward always parted his hair on the other side, his left, and the famous fop insisted it would look terrible unless he broke with tradition and featured his best side."

How a royal disagreement over a penny revealed Edward VIII'''s vanity | The Spectator (https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/how-the-royal-tussle-over-a-penny-revealed-edward-viii-s-vanity)

Edit: but it appears that these Edward VIII coins were never issued. Nonetheless the George VI coins did face left also. So the Queen's faced right. So Charles III will face left.

[POD]

I did wonder when they arrested rather than quietly moved a "Not My King" shouting person a few days ago if it might not be the best way of keeping the peace



"A crackdown on protesters holding "Not my King" and "Abolish the monarchy" signs in the UK has sparked a series of new demonstrations, amid fears freedom of expression is being squashed in the wake of the Queen's death.As Britons mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and the new King tours his kingdom, some public events and locations have attracted protesters holding pro-republic and anti-monarchy signs.
The non-violent protests became a talking point after police in Edinburgh and Oxford made arrests, and one woman holding a sign was asked to move away from the gates of the Houses of Parliament ahead of the King's arrival.

Now in response, blank banners and white pieces of paper are featuring in new protests as concerns are raised about the behaviour of police and any possible infringing of the basic human right of freedom of expression.

"

The show must go on of course (ABC news link) (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-14/uk-anti-monarchy-protesters-arrested-raising-free-speech-fears/101436854) [biggrin]

Must admit IF I was given an Order from some of this crew I might question it.

[B]London: The decision to deny Prince Harry the right to wear military uniform at events commemorating his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II cannot erase his decade of military service, his team has said.

Only working members of the royal family will wear uniforms at five ceremonial events scheduled during the period of mourning
"the King wore full day ceremonial uniform with the rank of Field Marshal,
the Princess Royal wore Royal Navy full ceremonial uniform in the rank of Admiral and the
Earl of Wessex wore the blues uniform of the Honorary Royal Colonel of the Wessex Yeomanry."
the age link (https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/prince-harry-s-ban-from-wearing-military-uniform-doesn-t-diminish-his-service-20220914-p5bhyw.html)
I know its a game but really! Harry did 10 years at least!

Prince Harry is no longer a serving member of any of the armed forces thus does not have a uniform to wear other than that of a civilian. 'Denied the right' is typical ignorant journalist tripe. It doesn't 'erase his decade of military service' but it also doesn't pretend he is still serving. If any of the royal family (or other Brits) are wearing military uniform it's because they currently hold a position- probably ceremonial or honorary for many of them- in that particular branch.

Good on the woodentops for suppressing the protests, there's a time and place.

[NavyDiver]

Not have a go re Queens funeral or the New Kings honorary rank or uniform rights

I did like that Harry was Invictus Games ambassador and had a lot of respect for that real role with injured service men and women. More than happy to just pin medals on for Anzac day myself - Prancing about in uniform or medals not earned irks me a lot to be honest.

The disparity seems rather disrespectful to me.

Appreciate I do not see or understand the royal rules of course. Not meaning to offend and sorry if I did

Good night

[POD]

Not meaning to offend and sorry if I did

Not in the slightest (assuming this refers to my comments above). I was referring to the journalists who like to beat up a storm about nothing.

[DiscoMick]

I see King Charles had letters issued to 100 staff informing them they were now redundant while he was attending a funeral service for the Queen.
Timing surely was accidental, but not a good look.

[BradC]

I see King Charles had letters issued to 100 staff informing them they were now redundant while he was attending a funeral service for the Queen.
Timing surely was accidental, but not a good look.

Timing was somewhat inopportune, but those 100 people would also have been well aware it was coming and would have well and truly made their peace with it. Sounds like another media beat-up more than anything.

Systems can be frustrating, like the system that sent me a formal letter to let me know that as I'd failed to collect the remains of my son, he'd been moved to a storage facility. When I called to ask "if he's been moved to a storage facility, who the **** has been sitting in a box on my table for the last 2 months?" a quick investigation determined it was a failure in a new automated system and we're very sorry for the inconvenience.

Bureaucrats will be bureaucrats and will remain eternally out of touch with reality.

[scarry]

[bigsad]

Systems can be frustrating, like the system that sent me a formal letter to let me know that as I'd failed to collect the remains of my son, he'd been moved to a storage facility. When I called to ask "if he's been moved to a storage facility, who the **** has been sitting in a box on my table for the last 2 months?" a quick investigation determined it was a failure in a new automated system and we're very sorry for the inconvenience.

Bureaucrats will be bureaucrats and will remain eternally out of touch with reality.

Similar here,after my Mother left us a year ago,we sorted out her house,and had the mail diverted,a free service from Australia Post,which is good of them.We told those charity places numerous times what the situation was,yet the please donate letters kept coming.One of them we even had to donate some money to as per her will,but they still sent out letters wanting more.[bigsad]

Anyway,the 12 month free diversion has just run out so hopefully that is the end of it all.

[3toes]

The staff who have had letters saying their positions are at risk will not have been surprised by this. Their employment contracts are based on the Prince being in position and have an end date when this is no longer the case. This could be death or promotion to the top job. Is standard in all of these roles with royalty so is a media beat up story rather than factual content

[Saitch]

The staff who have had letters saying their positions are at risk will not have been surprised by this. Their employment contracts are based on the Prince being in position and have an end date when this is no longer the case. This could be death or promotion to the top job. Is standard in all of these roles with royalty so is a media beat up story rather than factual content

Get out! Who would have thought?[wink11]

[ramblingboy42]

Jeez , let's get out of this system asap.

Time to go-o, knock knock knock , time to go-o......

Let's not even give Charlie the chance to visit Australia as our ruling monarch.

He would be welcome to visit the Republic of Australia , the country he loves so much......as a tourist.

[ozscott]

Jeez , let's get out of this system asap.

Time to go-o, knock knock knock , time to go-o......

Let's not even give Charlie the chance to visit Australia as our ruling monarch.

He would be welcome to visit the Republic of Australia , the country he loves so much......as a tourist.[emoji1787]. I am happy to remain in the Commonwealth and not go Republic. I don't get the sense that a majority of Australians or even close to it want to move from the historical situation despite the ABC's best attempts to create a debate in that direction. Cheers

[scarry]

Back onto the new Monarch topic

https://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/16551726/640/16551726.jpg (https://picturepush.com/public/16551726)

[V8Ian]

For a long time I've been on the fence, leaning toward being a small R republican. Giving the issue further thought, I'd prefer to maintain the status quo.

Becoming a republic is like a child growing up, leaving home and cutting ties with the parents who brought them up.
It also means the figurehead becomes a political position.

Retaining the monarchy is akin to a child growing up and leaving home but remaining a caring family member. Who knows, it may emulate so many family situations, with the offspring looking after the parents.
The monarch, as head of state for Australia, is truly independent and apolitical.

In summary, considering the politics and the fact that I'm a bit of a traditionalist, I'm now in the remain camp.

[BradC]

In summary, considering the politics and the fact that I'm a bit of a traditionalist, I'm now in the remain camp.

If our recent history shows anything, it's we're crap at nominating and/or electing sane and stable people to any role, be it member or leader of a party or Australian of the year. It's always political, it's often single issue, mostly divisive and apparently driven by social media "likes".

[vnx205]

... ..... ....
It also means the figurehead becomes a political position.

.... .... .....
.

Why would it necessarily be political?

Why couldn't it be like the state Governors and the Governor General?

Have many of them been political?

[V8Ian]

Why would it necessarily be political?

Why couldn't it be like the state Governors and the Governor General?

Have many of them been political?
Most, I'd say. The success or failure of the person holding the position is entirely dependent on the ethics and ethos of the nominee.

[DiscoMick]

Some people are asking why we need a head of state at all.
The argument goes that the chief judge of the High Court could swear in the PM and Ministry, as happens in the USA.
Laws would become effective as soon as passed by parliament.
Ceremonial duties could be done by various people.
We would save the salaries of 75 people plus many other expenses.
Laws could be passed to spell out in greater detail that if the politicians mess up elections are called.
Interesting argument.

[JDNSW]

Some people are asking why we need a head of state at all.
The argument goes that the chief judge of the High Court could swear in the PM and Ministry, as happens in the USA.
Laws would become effective as soon as passed by parliament.
Ceremonial duties could be done by various people.
We would save the salaries of 75 people plus many other expenses.
Laws could be passed to spell out in greater detail that if the politicians mess up elections are called.
Interesting argument.

I do not think that the US is a particularly good model to use as an example - the US Supreme Court is quite overtly political, as is much of their justice system, with judges either elected or political appointments.

The savings cited would be unlikely to ever eventuate, as much of the day to day work of the governors and GG is ceremonial - such as attending functions to represent the country and presenting honours. Someone has to do these things.

[DiscoMick]

Shook my head at a report that Charles is preceded everywhere by a truck carrying his bed and the pictures he wants on the walls in the room where he will sleep.
Maybe he should just get a caravan and connect it to the royal Rangie.

I read the Royal Mail Post Office has been renamed Charles III Post Office - C3PO for short.

[trout1105]

Big ears is independently wealthy and can afford to take his bed and pictures with him, Who really cares what or how he spends his own money.

[BMKal]

Sneak preview of new $5 note .........

180889

[101RRS]

Sneak preview of new $5 note .........

180889

The $5 note will remain as it is with Elizabeth R on it and unlike the coins with not change to the an image of the King. This is because the image on the note acknowledges the individual not the position they hold so will not be changed.

[ramblingboy42]

This is no more controversial than other comments here , for it is the truth.
After Queen Elizabeth II'''s death, Indigenous Australia can'''t be expected to shut up. Our sorry business is without end - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-18/queen-death-indigenous-australia-colonisation-empire/101445508)

[Saitch]

Oh, poor old Stan!

I nearly didn't get to see the "Princess Royal" at the Redcliffe showgrounds (late 50s/early 60s ??) because I didn't have any shoes, let alone socks! Not many of the local, family kids did and we were all poor as. We thought nothing of it, but I remember being happy.

Imagine someone who is an ABC employee, successful journo and into "Body Tinting", stating that he wants to know what it's like to be a whitey!

I certainly didn't mind the bloke, pre-bandwagon.

Foil hat on? Nah, I'm not easily offended.

[Arapiles]

Some people are asking why we need a head of state at all.
The argument goes that the chief judge of the High Court could swear in the PM and Ministry, as happens in the USA.
Laws would become effective as soon as passed by parliament.
Ceremonial duties could be done by various people.
We would save the salaries of 75 people plus many other expenses.
Laws could be passed to spell out in greater detail that if the politicians mess up elections are called.
Interesting argument.

Why do we need a head of state? Because:



all countries have a formal head of state - and that really shouldn't be the head of the executive, because it concentrates too much power in one person's hands - as the USA is discovering;




the head of the executive should have broad, closely defined but ultimately limited powers and the head of state should have little day to day power but the power to appoint and remove the executive when required.

[chuck]

Now the Queen has passed the republican debate will undoubtedly resurface.

Not sure what model would be put up.

Communism does not work just look at the dictators in Russia & China

America's system is broken just look at how they elect the president & how the supreme court took away women's rights .

Certainly don't want politicians telling us who our president or monarch would be.

The most stable countries in the world seem to have a system like ours - lol.

[trout1105]

This is no more controversial than other comments here , for it is the truth.
After Queen Elizabeth II'''s death, Indigenous Australia can'''t be expected to shut up. Our sorry business is without end - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-18/queen-death-indigenous-australia-colonisation-empire/101445508)

Definately Inappropriate, Only lowlifes start a fight at a funereal :rulez:
Yet just another political activist using the Queens death as a soap pbox, Shame on Stan.

[V8Ian]

Definately Inappropriate, Only lowlifes start a fight at a funereal :rulez:
Yet just another political activist using the Queens death as a saopbox, Shame on Stan.
May I suggest that
180931
would make a more robust platform, from which to make a statement, than
180932
box. [bigwhistle][wink11]

[V8Ian]

Now the Queen has passed the republican debate will undoubtedly resurface.

Not sure what model would be put up.

Communism does not work just look at the dictators in Russia & China

America's system is broken just look at how they elect the president & how the supreme court took away women's rights .

Certainly don't want politicians telling us who our president or monarch would be.

The most stable countries in the world seem to have a system like ours - lol.
Neither of those countries are communist, Russia doesn't even claim to be.

[scarry]

Neither of those countries are communist, Russia doesn't even claim to be.

But its creeping up everywhere into our lives,losing our freedom,here, there, and everywhere,slowly.

I could go on but wont,it is too far off topic.[smilebigeye]

[trout1105]

Neither of those countries are communist, Russia doesn't even claim to be.

Russia isn't Communist anymore, NO room for that malarky in a dictatorship [bigwhistle]

[trout1105]

May I suggest that
180931
would make a more robust platform, from which to make a statement, than
180932
box. [bigwhistle][wink11]

I Fixed it , Happy now[biggrin]
I have just finished swapping out the winch on my 79 series and I am more interested in having a cold beer/relaxing than concentrating on my spelling/grammer[bigwhistle]

[Arapiles]

Now the Queen has passed the republican debate will undoubtedly resurface.

Not sure what model would be put up.

Communism does not work just look at the dictators in Russia & China

America's system is broken just look at how they elect the president & how the supreme court took away women's rights .

Certainly don't want politicians telling us who our president or monarch would be.

The most stable countries in the world seem to have a system like ours - lol.


I checked what the Australian Republican Movement are proposing - their model is pretty much our current system except we get to elect the Governor General.

As it happens, I have an issue with the idea of electing a head of state - the problem is that gives the person elected a mandate and suggests that they would have a role that is more than merely ceremonial plus the reserve powers. So, we'd have a popularly elected head of the executive (because our prime minister is becoming more and more presidential in style, as people vote for the PM and not just the party) and also a popularly elected governor general / president. So, if we had another situation like the Dismissal, would the governor general be saying "I represent the popular will" and it's time for you to go?

I'd prefer to see the Federal parliament appoint the GG, which is pretty much what happens now in any case: the GG is/was nominated to our Sovereign and they always say yes to the government in power's choice.



Certainly don't want politicians telling us who our president or monarch would be.

That is actually how it occurs at present, and has been the case for a long time.

[BMKal]

Sneak preview of new $5 note .........

180889


The $5 note will remain as it is with Elizabeth R on it and unlike the coins with not change to the an image of the King. This is because the image on the note acknowledges the individual not the position they hold so will not be changed.

The image that I posted was, to anyone with any level of intelligence, obviously intended as a joke.

However, the claim that "the $5 note will remain as it is with Elizabeth R on it" is far from a definite conclusion. Only the assumption that Her Majesty's image on the $5 note will not automatically be replaced by the image of the new King is correct.

Queen may be replaced by an Australian rather than King Charles III on $5 note | Australia news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/13/queen-may-be-replaced-by-an-australian-rather-than-king-charles-iii-on-5-note)

[V8Ian]

The image that I posted was, to anyone with any level of intelligence, obviously intended as a joke.

However, the claim that "the $5 note will remain as it is with Elizabeth R on it" is far from a definite conclusion. Only the assumption that Her Majesty's image on the $5 note will not automatically be replaced by the image of the new King is correct.

Queen may be replaced by an Australian rather than King Charles III on $5 note | Australia news | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/13/queen-may-be-replaced-by-an-australian-rather-than-king-charles-iii-on-5-note)
Oh Bugger, I've been bragging that I've seen the new $5 note.:o

[scarry]

Oh Bugger, I've been bragging that I've seen the new $5 note.:o

Here it is for those that havent seen it[biggrin]

Not that good,i dont really like it,i mean,her.[bigsad]

I think the 5 should be changed to 05,and PB and an A9X thrown on it.Could anything else be more Australian?[bighmmm][biggrin]

https://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/16552475/640/16552475.jpg (https://picturepush.com/public/16552475)

[Saitch]

Who is that? Just looking at her makes me appreciate my dear wife even more than I do.

What about Shane Warne or Andrew Symonds? [thumbsupbig]

[BMKal]

Who is that?

Looks like Greta Thunderburger's twin sister ............ similar level of fake anger. [bigsad]

[Arapiles]

Looks like Greta Thunderburger's twin sister ............ similar level of fake anger. [bigsad]


No, I'd say that Grace Tame's anger is real. Given that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a teacher, who was also convicted of possessing child pornography.

[Saitch]

No, I'd say that Grace Tame's anger is real. Given that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a teacher, who was also convicted of possessing child pornography.

Thank you for the rationale.

[ramblingboy42]

....and she was thoroughly patronised by our then prime minister.

very intelligent girl.... and very articulate...she should be prime minister....

[BMKal]

....and she was thoroughly patronised by our then prime minister.

very intelligent girl.... and very articulate...she should be prime minister....

[bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

So - he "thoroughly patronised" her by congratulating her and her fiance on their engagement. [bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

While I was never a fan of Morrison - I'm not gullible enough to fall for some of the crap being pedalled by the snowflakes in society either.

[AndyG]

Back onto the new Monarch topic

https://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/16551726/640/16551726.jpg (https://picturepush.com/public/16551726)Why does remind me of Biden

[DiscoMick]

I was impressed with how far Charles marched, I've walked around much of that area and reckon it was a top effort for a 73 year old.
I still want an Australian head of state though.
There are plenty of non-political people of integrity around who could perform a largely ceremonial role, but be able to intervene to ensure fresh elections were held if the parliament became unworkable, I think.

[Arapiles]

Why does remind me of Biden

What's stupid about that mock-up is that the date's wrong - the Queen died on Thursday the 8th of September. Not the 7th of September.

[Arapiles]

[bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

So - he "thoroughly patronised" her by congratulating her and her fiance on their engagement. [bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

While I was never a fan of Morrison - I'm not gullible enough to fall for some of the crap being pedalled by the snowflakes in society either.


I can't find any reference to Morrison congratulating her and her fiancee on their engagement and her objecting to that.

But when she'd finished her speech at the Australian of the Year event, in which she spoke about how she was abused by a paedophile teacher (who, incidentally, copped a further four months in prison when he stated - on Facebook - that most men in Australia envied him), Morrison's response to her was, ‘Well, gee, I bet it felt good to get that out’.

Tame herself suffered a range of psychological issues as a result of the abuse she endured, but got through it, so I'd suggest that she's anything but a "snowflake".

[BMKal]

I can't find any reference to Morrison congratulating her and her fiancee on their engagement and her objecting to that.

But when she'd finished her speech at the Australian of the Year event, in which she spoke about how she was abused by a paedophile teacher (who, incidentally, copped a further four months in prison when he stated - on Facebook - that most men in Australia envied him), Morrison's response to her was, ‘Well, gee, I bet it felt good to get that out’.

Tame herself suffered a range of psychological issues as a result of the abuse she endured, but got through it, so I'd suggest that she's anything but a "snowflake".

Just because YOU can't find any reference to Morrison congratulating the pair on their engagement doesn't mean it didn't happen. Took me all of about 30 seconds to find a reference quoting this.

And it wasn't Grace Tame I was referring to as a "snowflake" - but I won't bother explaining this ................. [bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf][bigrolf]

[ozscott]

Why does remind me of BidenOne case was accession by death. In another in an attempt to save the death of a country divided by top down conspiracy so I can see the parallels too. Cheers

[DiscoMick]

I wonder how many people will join the Queen of Denmark in testing positive to Covid after attending the funeral.

[JDNSW]

I wonder how many people will join the Queen of Denmark in testing positive to Covid after attending the funeral.

That is what I thought when I saw the crowds, although those outside would have been in a better place than the official guests.

Funerals are notorious covid hotspots. (Including my sister in law's funeral a couple of months ago (which I attended on line) with about a third of those who attended in person infected!)

[RANDLOVER]

..................
I still want an Australian head of state though.
There are plenty of non-political people of integrity around who could perform a largely ceremonial role, but be able to intervene to ensure fresh elections were held if the parliament became unworkable, I think.

I'm not so sure, as I reckon the current G-G has some serious questions to answer about swearing people in to secret ministries and the former G-G should/'ve be/been asked about what they knew about the SAS Regiment's conduct in operations overseas. I think the G-G is supposed to be a voice of reason and common sense and not just rubber stamp everything the govt. wants.

[Toxic_Avenger]

Last Friday's Parliament sitting had a number of members provide some (non political) discussion to honour the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
Of particular interest to me, amongst the babble, when I was driving, was some talk of her and her Defender, during an address by Garth Hamilton MP from Toowoomba.

His speech, Immortalised in Hansard has some interesting points:
Hansard Display

– Parliament of Australia (https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansardr/26126/&sid=0048)


"It would not take too much imagination to see her [The Queen] cheering on her ponies as they came up the long hill and towards the final straight at Clifford Park or to see her letting her corgis off the leash at Queens Park golf course on a cold and foggy Toowoomba morning, maybe holding a hot coffee, or to see her navigating some of the muddy dirt roads after a storm out past Bogie in her old Land Rover Defender. My only personal connection to Her Majesty is a shared ownership of the same vehicle. Her Majesty's experience as a mechanic during World War II would have been well needed, I suspect, on more than a few hunting trips around Balmoral as they have a tendency to break down on occasion, leading to the wonderful line, 'It's not broken; it's British.' There is some analogy there to the triumph of will and determination over our physical bounds that I think speaks well to the British spirit."

So any of you Toowoomba fellas out there- congratulate your local member on a fine choice of automobile. Maybe also chip him about his lack of faith for LR reliability... it's now on the record!