Reshaping Honours and Australia's Soul: A Republic that improves the country

The Australian Unity Republic proposes a transformative overhaul of the honours system, shifting it from a colonial relic to a vibrant instrument of national renewal and societal progress under the Australian Executive Council (AEC)—a collective head of state comprising elected leaders. This reform reimagines the Order of Australia by establishing "Living National Treasures" as its pinnacle, supported by substantial stipends to sustain and amplify their contributions, with a strong emphasis on elder knowledge transmission, general community service, arts recognition, and military legacy. Inspired by Japan’s cultural guardianship, New Zealand’s bicultural framework with Māori advisory councils, Canada’s nationalized honours, and the UK’s 2005 transparency reforms within the Commonwealth, the system embeds reconciliation as a core principle, prioritizing First Nations recognition and the preservation of elder wisdom—integrating awards like the Deadly Awards and arts stipends—while aligning with ANZAC traditions and future military honours. Leveraging $25.5–42.5 million in annual savings from abolished viceregal roles, this initiative enhances productivity and social cohesion, addressing the widespread failure to invest in leaders and change-makers whose knowledge and service risk being lost, fostering a republic that makes the country better by empowering them to mentor others.