hi Diete, I just don't want to see a populist vote for our President because that would change the nature of the head of state - government relationship. How would a head of state be elected? the power is primarily symbolic so they couldn't campaign on policy, would it just be a beauty contest?
My view is - the current system works very well - and I would be loathe to change it other than to replace the figurehead GG with a figurehead President. And that person shouldn't be "political" therefore shouldn't be elected in a popular vote.
That's how I see it, the Republicans split last time (John Howard wedged them) which ensured their defeat.
