The role of the Governor

I watch with amazement the antics of the misguided monarchists opposing the natural evolution of our country to the democratic republic it must eventually be.

As a proud sixth-generation Australian Vietnam veteran with a father who fought at Tobruk and a great-grandfather who fought at Gallipoli and in France, for Australia, I simply cannot see the sense or justification in clinging to such an undemocratic, unrepresentative tradition as monarchic rule, whether directly by a foreign monarch or their local grandees. I applaud the actions of Premier Carr and eagerly await the day when we consider ourselves truly an independent nation.

Peter Burge,
January 30 Croydon Park.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 March 1996
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This is another letter to add to those expressing dissatisfaction with Mr Carr's treatment of the role of Governor, and in particular your editorial today which describes this treatment as "essentially cosmetic changes".

The Governor's ceremonial role in our community is far from "cosmetic" if we believe there is more to public life than politics, economic reality and sporting fixtures. The social role of the Governor is as "real" as any of his other duties, and as essential. His ceremonial role taps into deep community values and emotions which can only be expressed through public ritual, of which the Governor is the chief exponent.

His place cannot be taken by a mere politician, no matter how much he might aspire to the role, or try to denigrate it.

H. L. Farland,
January 31 Ashfield.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 March 1996
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Doesn't it seem slightly absurd that an appointed, not elected, government official, whose main task, it seems from your vice-regal column, is opening country fetes and shows, lived in a taxpayer-funded, harbourside mansion with 31 personal staff.

Ian McDonnell,
January 31 Bilgola.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 March 1996
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So 15,000 people march to demand that the Governor should live in an enormous mansion. I wonder what the homeless think of it all.

Peter Cockcroft,
January 31 Bulli.
The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 March 1996
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Appointed but not elected
References to Dr Marie Bashir as ``NSW Governor-elect'' are incorrect (Letters, December 28).

Our vice-regal representatives and heads of state have never been elected but always appointed (or destined by birth) to office, or succeed to thrones without being elected by anyone, least of all by Australian voters taking part in democratic referenda.

Until Gordon Samuels stands down, Dr Bashir is ``NSW Governor-designate''. And yes, ``the will of the people will eventually prevail and we will have the best outcome''.

Michael Malley,
Randwick
The Daily Telegraph, Saturday 30 December 2000