We are extending ELECTION WATCH to the Western Australian election which is to be held on 6 September, 2008.
The election is for 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly and 36 in the Legislative Council.
The Australian Labor Party government has been in power in Western Australia since 2001.
On 7 August, 2008, the Governor agreed to grant the Premier an early election.
The Labor Party is led by the Premier, the Hon. Alan Carpenter, and the Liberal Party opposition has been led by the Hon. Colin Barnett since 6 August 2008.
The election is the first to be held under a major redistribution.
William Church at ACM is writing to all candidates about their views on the constitution and the flag.
Answers will be published on the ACM site under 2008 "WA Election Responses from Candidates".
…..ELECTION WATCH…
ACM believes that the people are entitled to know the attitudes of candidates for political office on such basic matters as our constitutional system, one of the most successful in the world, and our beloved flag.
How supporters use this information is a matter for them. Some may wish to work for candidates; others may find it affects their voting intentions.
Accordingly, we have been writing to candidates in elections to ascertain and make known their views not only to our supporters but also to the general public.
We plan to write to candidates in the Western Australian election and to publish their responses on the ACM site.
….text of communication to candidates in the WA 2008 election….
Dear Candidate
Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM) is an unaligned, grassroots association which has a support base of over 20,000 Australians.
In the 1999 referendum we played a leading part in the No campaign with over 50,000 of our supporters volunteering to help. ACM’s mission is to preserve, to protect and to defend our heritage: the Australian constitutional system, the role of the Crown in it and the Australian Flag.
ACM has divisions in all States, including Western Australia. So that our supporters and the general public may know your views and policies on these matters in the coming election, we are writing to you to inquire whether you support these important aspects of our heritage, and any plans you may have to change them.
According to some legal opinion, it would be possible for the Commonwealth Parliament, acting at the request or with the concurrence of the Parliaments of all the States to repeal section 8 of the Statute of Westminster, 1931 and then to amend the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900, without the need for a referendum.
Accordingly, we are requesting a pledge from you that you would strongly oppose any Bill to circumvent the requirement for a referendum to effect change to the Australian Constitution or to the role and function of the Australian Crown in State constitutions.
In addition, we request your confirmation that, in the event of proposed changes being referred to a vote by the people, you would support the adequate funding of both the yes and no cases.
To help you to respond we would be grateful if you could answer the questions below and email your response to [ [email protected]]
An early response would be appreciated.
Question 1. Do you support the role of the Australian Crown in the Australian Constitutional system, including the constitutions of the States? Yes/No [If, you do not support the role of the Crown in the Australian Constitutional system, how would you replace the Australian Crown?]
Question 2. Do you support the retention of the Australian National Flag? Yes/No
Question 3. Do you believe there are any significant aspects of the Australian constitutional system which should be changed ? Yes/No [If you think significant aspects of the Australian constitutional system should be changed, what are they?]
Question 4. Would you oppose any bill designed to undermine the right of the Australian people to be consulted in a referendum before any change is made to the Australian Constitution.? Yes/No
Question 5. Would you oppose any change to the Australian National Flag being effected other than following a popular vote in accordance with the provisions of section 3(2) of the Flag Act, 1953. Yes/No
Question 6. In the event of proposed changes to the Constitution or to the Flag being referred to a vote by the people, as you support equal and adequate public funding be made available for both the yes and no cases? Yes/No