Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 1152 standing in my name for today, relating to the Australian Constitution—you cannot object to this, surely—be taken as a formal motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal? There being none, Senator Bernardi.

Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate:

(a) notes that 6 November 2018 marks the 19th anniversary of the defeat of the referendum proposal for Australia to break ties with the British monarchy and become a republic;

(b) further notes that every Australian state voted against the proposal; and

(c) supports Australia's Constitution.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The founders of our Constitution included a mechanism for us to regularly update the Constitution to ensure it remained relevant and reflected the will of the people. We note a recent survey indicated most Australians support Australia becoming a republic. If Labor is elected at the next election, we will hold a national vote to allow the Australian people to decide if they want an Australian as our head of state.

Question agreed to.