I would like to make three statements about the seemless transition of power from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to Prime Minister Julia Gillard a couple of weeks ago.
1. It is wonderful to see that Cabinet Government is alive and well in Australia! I'm politically indifferent between Rudd and Gillard, but the fact that a sitting prime minister can be unseated by his peers is a good thing, and demonstrates the needed flexibility, stability and maturity of our parliamentary democracy in doing so.
2. The swearing-in ceremony was a highly dignified proceeding, and there is no doubt in watching the video who is in charge. Quentin Bryce, the Governor-General doesn't come across as merely a ceremonial rubber stamp, but as a chief of state handing over executive power to the next government in the name of Her Majesty.
3. The Oath of Office is a republican abomination. It is a shame that Julia Gillard has followed the example of Kevin Rudd in making no mention of the Queen in promising only to "well and truly serve the Commonwealth of Australia, her land and her people."
No mention of God and no mention of Queen, for History, Tradition, and convention mean nothing to those who seek only to change things to suit themselves.
ReplyDeleteWorth noting that Australia is now facing an election choice between two party leaders - Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott - that were both born in the UK. I don't think we've ever had this before.
ReplyDeleteJulia didn't take the oath, she took an affirmation. I'm pretty neutral on QB - she looks great but she's not exactly a "Queen's woman" as GG.
"Rudd is a dud." I told you. Hee! Hee! Hee!
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