Structural transition problems: The problem with a transition from constitutional monarchy to republic is the seperation of powers in relation to the Executive.
The Westminster is a hack, designed to route around the formal political power of the monarch, yet leave them in a ceremonial position. The Honorary President model is entirely consistent with the Westminster style of government. It is a very minimalist model.
But it doesnt address the problem of executive power in our system. It doesnt address rights, which were an innovation of the American political system in 1787. It also doesnt address the near absolute informal power of the Prime Minister, nor the informal Executive power of the Governor-General.
I believe the 1999 referendum failed for several reasons; one, the professional politicians got a hold of it, and no-one trusts those bastards - not even their own mums; two, people wanted to elect the head of state; and three that the republican referendum was not grounded in any wider Australian Republican doctrine so that a change in our government became self-evident.
The Honorary President covers the second deficiency by giving Australians the chance to elect the President, which I think is exceedingly important. But I dont see how it ties into a wider Australian Republican doctrine.
The success of the American Republic was that it was grounded in the Republican doctrine of Jefferson and Madison. The ideology still underpins the popular perception of the American Republic today.
Unfortunately in Australia, we dont have the strong perception of an Australian Republican doctrine. The \"republic already\" or \"republic in all but name\" have managed to pollute it sufficiently that the subservent doctrine of a constitutional monarchy appears mixed with Republican doctrine. Foreign policy is the biggest constitutional monarchy doctrinal cringe.
I think any proposed model must be founded on an Australian Republican doctrine, that will underpin the polity, society and culture. An ideal of governance that is also practical, especially in relation to some unique aspects of the Australian nation-state. I think that is the challenge for Australian Republicans in having a Republican form of government accepted by a majority.
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