Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the current situation `` no longer reflects either the fundamental democratic principles that underpin the Australian nation or its diversity '' , . He was thinking about a referendum for an independent , elected President . Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stated that while it is not an active priority , the current structure `` no longer reflects either the fundamental democratic principles that underpin the Australian nation or its diversity '' , and he has given some indications that a referendum for an independent , elected President , repairing the main issue of the 1999 vote , is being considered .