DOT POINT 5 Debates about citizenship and democratic practice, and implications of these for Australians in the twenty-first century, for example the Republican debate, a Bill of Rights, welfare state, immigration, and privacy Refer to the handout distributed during class for a comprehensive outline of the knowledge you are expected to demonstrate

21st Century Debates Choose two of the following areas of interest to research: Republic Bill of Rights Welfare state Immigration Privacy Describe the area then identify arguments for and against implementing it in 21st century Australia Before developing arguments, read the related readings

Republic Becoming a republic would require a change from a constitutional monarchy (eg, the Queen as head of state as outlined in the Constitution) to a republican form of government (eg, from a Prime Minister to a President) A President would replace the head of state (e.g. Queen) and possibly Governor-General (who is appointed by the Prime Minister and represents the head of state) At present, the Governor-General has the power to dismiss the Prime Minister (e.g. Gough Whitlam/Labor Government in 1975) The head of state should embody "the spirit of the nation” and understand the national values 45.13% of Australians voted for a republic in the 1999 referendum 39.34% voted for the proposed model of a President appointed by Parliament)

Republic (FOR) Australia is an independent country and should therefore have an Australian head of state It may be difficult for a foreign-based head of state represent Australia within the country and to the rest of the world – are British values in line with Australian values A hereditary monarchy (England) conflicts with egalitarianism (Australia – equality for all) We are no longer predominately of British descent – we are a multicultural country There may be a conflict of interest having our head of state as the head of state of other countries also For ATSI peoples, having a British head of state is a symbol of British imperialism We will still be part of the Commonwealth and complete in the games, we don’t have to change our flag

Republic (AGAINST) “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – we have a stable democratic government at the moment There are no proven benefits to citizens Being a republic would deny our British heritage and we would lose a sense of unity It would be expensive (eg, holding a referendum, changing all currency, etc)

Bill of Rights A Bill of Rights is legislation regarding the rights of citizens Australia does not have a Bill of Rights It is the only democratic country that does not have one The 1901 Constitution does not cover many human rights A Bill of Rights would lay out new laws that are current “general assumptions”, but it would make them enforceable A Bill of Rights would make the government more accountable in areas such as institutional assistance (e.g. health, housing, education, etc) Developing a Bill of Rights would require making amendments to the Constitution (e.g. USA model) or creating a separate Act of parliament that can be changed over time (e.g. UK model) If we follow the USA model we require a Referendum The last Referendum on the issue received 30% support

Bill of Rights (AGAINST)

Welfare State T.H. Marshall (1964) identified the welfare state as a distinctive combination of democracy, welfare and capitalism. The government assumes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens through access to public institutions such as child-care, education, health, housing, old-age pension, unemployment benefits, etc. Access to comprehensive welfare is sometimes considered a civil right from “cradle-to-grave”, and evidence of social justice. In Australia, we have a “safety net” that provides a minimum standard of welfare to “people most in need” (eg, Centrelink). The government establishes tests to determine genuine need to avoid cheating. The welfare state is funded by tax-payers. Critics claim that the unemployed become dependent on welfare, are less inclined to work because unemployment benefits are similar to minimum wages, it results in higher taxes, and tax-payers are forced to provide funding through their taxes but receive few benefits. Critics claim public institutions would be more effectively run privately. Marshall, T.H. 1964, ’Citizenship and Social Class’, in Class, Citizenship, and Social Development: Essays by T.H. Marshall, Chapter IV, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 65-12.

Immigration Issues relating to immigration, including skilled migrants and asylum seekers was covered in Unit 3 Outcome 2. Review this material so you have solid arguments for and against immigration. Example for: multiculturalism Example against: loss of social cohesion Ensure you relate your arguments to citizenship, democracy and social justice.

Privacy Do you know who has a “file” on you? Do you know what type of information is stored about you? Do you know who can access it? The Anti-Terrorism Act 2005 means police can request information from any source about any named person. The Federal Privacy Act addresses the collection, use and storage of private information. There are 11 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) relating to Australian and ACT government agencies There are 10 National Privacy Principles (NPPs) relating to the private business sector and health service providers Issues: Should HIV-positive citizens be “tracked”? Issues: Should a list sex-offenders list be made public? Related Issues: When should ‘Freedom of Information’ be allowed?

21st Century Debates How do the following issues relate to citizenship rights and responsibilities and democratic practice? Euthanasia (assisted suicide for dying) Abortion (late-term abortions) Citizenship test (English language only) Detention and deportation (returned Afghanis killed) Education, health care (funding, privatisation) Anti-terrorism laws (Dr Hanif)