Vic: Latham vows to put republic back on the agenda

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2003
Vic: Latham vows to put republic back on the agenda

New federal Opposition Leader MARK LATHAM has vowed to put the republic debate back
on the national agenda if Labor wins the next election.

The staunch republican says Labor will fully outline its policy on the issue well before
the election.

And should Labor be elected, he says the public will be able to decide on a model for
a republic through three separate plebiscites.

Mr LATHAM says most, if not all, of this process will be completed in the first term
of a Labor government.

He's also softened his position on the US, despite a new AC Nielsen poll showing 45
per cent of Australians agree with his assessment that President GEORGE W BUSH is incompetent
and dangerous.

He's also reiterated his call for the release of children in detention centres before
Christmas, and says the $4.6 billion Budget surplus should be used to improve services
and provide tax cuts.

AAP RTV mf/ce/swe/rp

KEYWORD: LATHAM (MELBOURNE)

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