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[ Republican Court – Lady Washington's Reception Day. Daniel Huntington ]
If you want “a republic” pray tell us which one.
The one from America – from Zimbabwe – which one?
If only you’d tell us – we could say yes or no.
If not, then let’s stick with our good status quo.
It’s given us a century of stability and peace
And never – repeat never– let us down- so please
Stop your chanting for a totally undefined dream
And your call for a “Mate” for your Head of State team.
Already we have one – our Australian GG,
“I perform ALL the Head of State duties” says she,
Malcolm Turnbull describes it “the best country in the world
A unique Aussie system that works very well”
So just leave it alone with our flag flying high,
And explain to our children how it works – and why.
[Sent to ACM by a grateful immigrant family. Sources for the quotations are (1) “I fulfil all the functions of a Head of State” SMH 24 Jan 2006 (2) His letter to his Wentworth constituents, 5 May 2004 (3) The Australian 16 July 2001.]