The Liberal Party has given up on governing.

Today is Wattle Day when we mark the first day of Spring. It’s a celebration of our nation’s cherished flower, but in the post war years also became a day for Australians to unite and look forward to a better future.

Australians are gathering across the nation today as part of the “BBQ for an Australian head of state” campaign in the biggest day of action for a republic since the 1999 referendum.

Should our states ban booze? Are your Senators and Members of Parliament deserving of a 400 pounds annual salary? And why can “persons of any race” be barred from voting here in elections?

These are just some of the questions raised after a closer look at Australia’s Constitution. And it’s clear that this crucial document no longer represents our modern Australia.

Australians will fire up discussion about choosing a local as our head of state when they fire up barbies across the nation as part of the “BBQ for an Australian head of state” campaign.

Around 4 million Australians tuned into the television coverage of the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last Saturday night. It seems 21 million other Aussies had something better to do.

New research shows most Australians don’t know their Head of State, but their instinct tells them it should be an Australian.

This week we have seen yet again the real world impact of the Finance Minister’s obsession with deregulation and free market ideology.

The campaign for an Australian Head of State has been ramped up with a tour of the nation’s leading universities.

I wish to congratulate the wonderful volunteers and runners who've taken part in the Kamay parkrun over the past 12 months.