ABOUT THE POLL
Poll Conducted : 24 Oct to 1 Nov 1999
Sample Size : 555
Sample Method : Random Digit Dialling Sample of ACT households
Survey Method : Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) survey
Survey Scope : Persons registered to vote in ACT
Respondent Selection : Eligible person with most recent birthday.
A referendum will be held in just under two weeks time on the question of Australia becoming a republic. You will be asked to choose either :
The present system, that is keep the Queen and Governor as now, or a republic in which a president, who will be elected by a two thirds majority of the Federal Parliament, will replace the Queen and Governor General. In the referendum will you vote to keep the present system as it is now, which would be a “No” vote, or will you vote to change to the proposed republic, which would be a “Yes” vote.
At the same time you will be asked to vote on whether or not the proposed preamble, or introductory statement, should be inserted into the constitution of Australia. Will you vote for the preamble or against the preamble?
Thinking about the question of Australia becoming a Republic some time in say the next ten years. Generally, are you: in favour; neutral; or against Australia becoming a republic?
If Australia was to become a republic, the head of state would change from being the Governor General to being a president. There are a number of different ways to choose a president. One way is to have the president elected by members of parliament, another is to have the president elected the Australian people in a vote, another way is for the president to be appointed by the prime minister of the day. Which method of appointing a president would you prefer: elected by Parliament; elected by the people; appointed by the Prime Minister or some other way?