Letter: Mockery of a monarchy

Sir: Very few Australians would agree with Glenister Sheil's assertion (letter, 11 May) that the Queen's role in the Australian democracy is merely a "congenial reminder of our remarkable constitutional development".

In our recent Constitutional Convention, a very substantial majority clearly rejected the present role of Her Majesty, which many think puts such emphasis on the second syllable of "democracy" that our constitution should be changed to ensure a really Australian head of state and thus to eliminate, once and for all, this mockery.

For that majority and those whom they represent, the only real issue remaining, despite the views of Sheil and his sentimental coterie of monarchists, is how an Australian head of state is to be selected and, if necessary, dismissed. They expect that to be determined before 2000.

JAMES T C BRASSIL

Frankston,

Victoria,

Australia