The last hundred years have seen many social changes in Australia. The many shortcomings in Australias Constitution have been exposed,leading to the current debate on an Australian republic. A New Constitution for Australia examines the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 and suggests how it may be reformed. The book draws on the experience of other jurisdictions, in particular Canada, South Africa, Germany, New Zealand and the United States. Unlike previous books on constitutional reform in Australia, this book focuses on a broad range of issues relating to constitutional reform and presents the reader with the draft of a completely new Australian Constitution.
A New Constitution for Australia recommends radical changes, including: an embedded and justiciable Bill of Rights; a new method for selecting judges; constitutionally-grounded revenue-sharing between the Commonwealth and States governments; self-government for Australias indigenous population; the recognition of customary law; legislation by means of citizen-initiated referenda; proportional representation for the House of Representatives; the removal of the blocking power of the Senate and the replacement of the monarchy with an Australian Head of State. The book also urges a comprehensive programme of civics education. A New Constitution for Australia will be essential reading for academics and students in the fields of constitutional law and political science.