Governor-general Quentin Bryce offers support for Australian republic

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/22/governor-general-quentin-bryce-australian-republic

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The governor general, Quentin Bryce, has used the final words in her last Boyer lecture of the year to offer support for an Australian republic.

The Queen’s representative in Australia told the crowd in Brisbane she hoped to one day see a young Australian boy or girl grow to be the first Australian head of state.

Bryce also appeared to express support for same-sex marriage, speaking of an Australia where "people are free to love and marry whom they choose".

It is thought to be the first time a sitting governor general has expressed support for a republic.

Bryce’s speech spoke of the lack of women in positions of power, and the equality and health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

In the last portion of her speech, according to an earlier transcript, Bryce suggested a nation “where an ethic of care guides the way we lead. Where the young, the elderly, the Indigenous, the newly arrived, people with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, and able to be the best and healthiest they can be.

"Where every child is given the opportunity of a good education from their very early years. Where women’s contributions to civil society, the workplace, the economy, the family and home are valued equally with men. Where streets, homes, schools, women and girls are spared violence. Where people are free to love and marry whom they choose. And where, perhaps, my friends, one day, one young boy or girl may grow up to be our nation’s first head of state.”

The Boyer lectures are given by a prominent Australian, chosen by the ABC board. They have been broadcast on ABC radio for the past 40 years.

Past speakers have included Marcia Langton, General Peter Cosgrove, Rupert Murdoch, Justice Michael Kirby and Bob Hawke.

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