What can we learn from an Italian republic?

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Constitutional monarchists and republicans will each have their say at a new symposium at the University of Adelaide that looks at the republican debate from a different perspective.

To be held on Tuesday 16 June, the symposium highlights Italy's move to a republic. It aims to examine what that has meant for Italy and what Australia could learn from the Italian experience.

The event, Constitutional Design and Reform: Monarchy and Republicanism in Australia and Italy, is hosted by the University of Adelaide's Law School and has been organised by the South Australian branch of the Association for Research between Italy and Australasia (ARIA-SA).

The event will be chaired by South Australian Magistrate Theodore Iuliano, and features the following speakers:

• Dr Tony Cocchiaro AM (Australian Republican Movement)
  
• Mr Michael Manetta (Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy)
  
• Dr Richard DeAngelis (School of Political and International Studies, Flinders University)
  
• Consul Tommaso Coniglio (Consulate of Italy in Adelaide)
  
• Professor John Williams (Law School, University of Adelaide)

"The republican debate has been on the backburner in Australia for some years now," says co-organiser of the event Mr David Caruso, lecturer with the University's Law School and vice president of ARIA-SA.

"Meanwhile, Italy has been a republic for more than 60 years, which still makes it a relatively new republic. How has Italy changed over that time? What has the impact been on Italian politics and the public? And what can we learn from the republican debate that continues in Italy today?

"We're very keen to hear from all sides of the debate. This is why the voice of constitutional monarchists will be represented, as well as academics with independent expertise in politics and constitutional law."

Constitutional Design and Reform is free and open to the public, but seats are limited and registration is essential to attend. For more information, members of the public should contact David Caruso on (08) 8303 5501 or visit: www.law.adelaide.edu.au

The event is supported by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, the Consulate of Italy in Adelaide, the Law Society of South Australia, and the Committee of Italians Abroad (Comites).

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