Responding to media reports, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has issued the following statement:
I will, in the near future, outline my reasons for supporting the present constitutional system.
I will not, as speculated in one newspaper today, indicate that I think a republic is inevitable. Others may hold that view. I do not.
Benjamin Franklin was right when he said: “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”.
The Republic referendum will be held in 12 days time.
