Method : Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI).
Date : week ending Feb 7, 1998
Sample Size : 600 ACT wide
Sample : Random Digit Dialling Sample of Canberra.
Selection within household : Eligible voter with most recent birthday.
Survey Scope: Persons registered to vote in ACT.
Questions:
1. Thinking about the question of Australia becoming a republic some time in say the next 10 years. Generally are you: in favour, neutral or against Australia becoming a republic?
2. 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?
3. If Australia was to become a republic, the role of the president would need to be decided. Personally would you favour a president’s role in Australia being a largely ceremonial role with no active part in day to day politics and government or would you favour the president having an active role in day to day politics and government.