1.   Keating has already argued that direct election could politicize the presidency and perhaps one day bring it into conflict with Parliament.

2.   Keating argued that direct election could politicize the presidency and perhaps one day bring it into conflict with Parliament.

3.   Keating argues that a republic will allow Australia to redefine its role especially in the Asia-pacific region.

4.   Keating argues that trade with booming Asian economies will create jobs.

5.   One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, reminded reporters that Keating had often argued in the past for greater liberalization of Japanese markets.

6.   Public opinion polls show Australians would prefer a direct election for the president, but Keating argues that such a system would politicise a position currently now above politics.