The problem is that the PM is the head of the parliament, head of the executive, and has the power to appoint judges. Also trying to muzzle the press. Seems to me that there is a problem. For example, if we appoint a President rather than the GG, shouldn't we discuss the powers of the President? Shouldn't he/she head the executive as in the US? The problem is the paucity of discussion about these issues. They are important.

I'd disagree James. I believe the best way forward would be through the negotiation for a 'new and improved' federal constitution, that has clear majority public support. With such support in place, and with a demonstrated benefit of introducing the changes, the remainder of the process would flow much smoother. The fact is that without any demonstrable benefit, the Australian public will never embrace any change.

Past experience has shown that the more complex proposed constitutional changes are, the less likely they are to be passed by a referendum. Why confuse the shift to a republic with other constitutional changes. It has to be done step by step. First, a plebiscite to gain approval in principle to a republic, then a referendum proposing the minimum change necessary to achieve a republic i.e.replacing the Governor-General with a President elected by a 2/3 majority of both houses of Parliament. That is all that is required and is the only way a republic will be achieved.