Matthew, 15, says Australia should become a republic.

ROCKHAMPTON’S Matthew Wood shares something in common with one of Queensland’s leading senators.

The 15-year-old student and Senator Russell Trood both think changing our nation’s system of government to a republic is in order.

While Matthew didn’t feel as strongly about the issue as the senator, he said he thought the constitutional monarchy was an old, outdated system and that it was time for change.

“I think we need a president and in a democratic society we should be able to elect who we want as the head of the state,” he said.

“But it all depends on what model we chose because otherwise the president could have complete control.

“For every positive point there is a point to counteract it which is why the issue has caused so much debate.

“But if I had to vote tomorrow I would vote for a republic.”

Matthew was one of many Rockhampton high school students to attend a Constitutional Convention, a program run by Education Queensland for students discuss the highly debated question of whether Australia should become a republic.

Senator Trood, along with Senator Clare Moore, was in Rockhampton for the event to encourage students to think carefully about the issues of long term importance to the country.

“The referendum for a republic was defeated in 1999 and the Rudd Government has promised to raise the issue again so it’s going to be on the national agenda,” Mr Trood said.

“Students will now have a greater chance to understand the debates about becoming a republic as well as the politics of the nation.

“Personally I have been a Republican for a long period of time and expect it is a further stage in Australia’s evolution as a self-confident countrythat looks with optimism to the future,” he said.

Source: The Morning Bulletin