Direct Election Republican Model (Australia) - Critique of The Model

Critique of The Model

These models are criticised for their potential for unintended consequences. As the Head of State is elected, it is not clear what candidates may say or promise to improve their standing among voters. An elected President with a mandate may morally choose to abide by their promises instead of strictly following the rules of the constitution. This would create a constitutional crisis.

Such a possibility becomes more likely if the election is allowed to be contested by the major political parties. This would introduce cohabitation to the Australian political system.

Should the law provide effective apolitical provisions, it is argued that celebrities with a public profile would have an unfair advantage over more worthy candidates. Furthermore a very worthy nominee may decline to contest an election due to harsh media attention.

The models are also criticised for constitutional provisions which would, in practice, increase or decrease the political authority of the Prime Minister. It is argued that it is impossible to replicate the existing conventions as written constitutional law or that politicians would find and exploit loopholes.

A direct-election model would need careful consideration before it could be adopted by any of the six Australian states.