| Advising The Queen of Australia - Sir Robert was right |
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| Written by Professor David Flint AM | |
| Thursday, 23 August 2012 | |
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“In September 2013, Quentin Bryce’s term as Governor-General is due to end,” writes former public servant Godwin Grech in a piece in Spectator Australia (18/8), “Make John Howard Governor-General and consign Malcolm Turnbull to history.” This brings us to the way in which The Queen is advised. On this Sir Robert Menzies’ approach, described below, seems the better way for a Governor-General to emerge. Before coming to that, I should point out that the Spectator column is only accessible to subscribers, but has been widely reported in the media. This is an excellent precedent. If a renewal or extention of Ms. Bryce's term is not to be made, this precedent could be followed by the Australian Prime Minister next year. As to who will be Prime Minister in these uncertain times, the timing of the election is an important factor. A House only election could be held now if the Prime Minister advised this and the Governor-General agreed. At this stage of the electoral cycle, viceregal assent would be likely but could not be assumed. If a joint election of the House and half the Senate is called – the most common format for elections - the earliest possible date would be Saturday, 3 August 2013. The last possible date for such a joint election is Saturday, 30 November 2013. |
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