Welcome to Republican Roundup, the monthly e-newsletter
of the Australian Republican Movement.
Chair's
report
The latest poll on the Republic has appeared in the
Adelaide Advertiser on 23 July. Given that South Australia
is far from our strongest state (43.57% Yes vote in
the 1999 referendum) there was a lot for us to be pleased
about in this poll of 699 South Australians. The vote
for a Republic was 52% Yes, 38% No and 10% Don't Know.
The highest support for a Republic was 60% among 18-24
year olds!! That's a great result. 54% of men and 47%
of women were in favour. Interestingly in answer to
a second question "Is it inevitable that Australia will
become a republic?" 74% said yes and only 17% said No.
ARM needs to continue to push republican support higher
but these figures are very encouraging.
The poll was published at the same time as an extensive
set of stories about the republic in the Advertiser.
While the tone of the articles was unnecessarily pessimistic
about an early republican victory the articles contained
plenty of good stories about ARM and the republic. There
was an excellent story and photograph of ARM women's
network co-convener Jo Pride, headed "monarchy irrelevant",
and extensive quotation of SA convener Geoff Britton
and myself.
In the article I made it clear that I regard it as misconceived
and defeatist to consider waiting for the passing of
the Queen before Australia becomes a republic. This
has been Malcolm Turnbull's position for some time,
repeated in this article and on ABC Insiders
recently. Because of Malcolm's previous role his opinion
always receives maximum publicity but I think he is
wrong and always say so. I believe any timetable we
set should always relate to Australian events. But we
should aim for a republic as soon as possible regardless
of milestones.
Following my recent correspondence with the Attorney-General
about the Senate Report, The
Road to a Republic, I received the following
response:
"As you know, the republic proposal put to the Australian
people at the referendum on 6 November 1999 was rejected.
That proposal to amend the Constitution embodied the
republic model supported by the 1998 Constitutional
Convention. The Australian Government has indicated
that, in putting that proposal to the Australian people,
it met the commitment given by the Prime Minister to
hold a referendum on the republic question. "As to the
Committee's report, the Australian Government is still
considering its response".
Now that we have this not very helpful response on the
record I'll make sure that I keep in touch with the
minister on behalf of the government about the Senate
Report. ARM won't let it drop.
I am continuing to emphasise that in the view of ARM the
Constitutional
Education Fund-Australia is a monarchist
front organisation. I have made this point to all republicans
who have become associated with CEF-A in any way. While
they may not agree with my point of view they certainly
know where we stand. ARM will maintain a watching brief
on CEF-A.
I'm looking forward to attending a lunch function organised
by the Gold Coast Forum on Tuesday 6 September in Tweed
Heads at which former Brisbane Lord Mayor Jim Soorley
will be guest speaker. I'm grateful for the invitation
because this will be my first official ARM function
on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Forum is extremely
active and is a wonderful example of ARM local activity.
Congratulations to all concerned.
Before then I will be present at the Republican Gathering
on Friday 12 - Saturday 13 August in Canberra organised
by the ACT Branch. That looks like a most interesting
occasion in line with our philosophy to work to heal
any rifts between republicans. More on that next month.
ARM Branch Council Elections will shortly commence. Branch
Councils operate in each state and territory where there
is a minimum of 30 financial members. The activities of
the Branches support the objectives of the ARM and including:
organising and promoting meetings, dinners, and
debates, media events and similar functions in support
of the ARM's objectives;
producing and distribute literature in support of
the creation of an Australian Republic;
raising funds for these purposes and to cover administrative
costs; and
taking any action approved by the Branch or a General
Meeting to achieve these objectives.
In accordance with the ARM Constitution elections will
be held for the following positions in each branch:
up to 11 Branch Council positions elected by ARM
members 16 or older (as at 1 Jun 05) in the relevant
state or territory.
1 Branch Youth Convenor elected by ARM members 16-25
yrs inclusive (as at 1 June 05) in the relevant state
or territory.
The timetable for the election will be:
Monday 11 Jul - Notification of ballot and call
for nominations;
Monday 15 Aug - Close electoral rolls and nominations;
Tuesday 16 Aug -Thurs 25 Aug - Preparation and postage
of postal ballots;
Monday 29 Aug - Thurs 8 Sept - Conduct ballot; and
Wednesday 14 Sept - Declare result.
All ARM members are encouraged to nominate for their respective
Branch Councils. Please contact the ARM's National Director
Allison
Henry
with any queries regarding the elections.
IN ORDER TO PARTCIPATE AS ELECTORS AND/OR CANDIDATES
YOU MUST BE A FINANCIAL MEMBER OF THE ARM AS AT 5PM MONDAY
15 AUGUST 2005.
In April's Republican Round Up we reported on the Constitutional Education Fund of Australia (CEF-A) and its close links to Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM). While the ARM welcomes all initiatives to improve Australians' constitutional awareness, we are sceptical that CEF-A - with its links to an organisation dedicated to the preservation of Australia's constitutional monarchy - can possibly do this in an impartial manner. We also question whether CEF-A is an appropriately independent organisation for the Governor-General to be Patron in Chief.
As was been reported in July's Republican Round Up the ARM's Chair, John
Warhurst wrote to the Governor-General seeking a meeting with His Excellency and drawing attention to the ARM's concern regarding his involvement with CEF-A. In the response from his Private Secretary, the G-G rejected the ARM's concerns about his role with CEF-A. The G-G also declined to meet with ARM representatives, asserting that he had never met with representatives of to Australians for Constitutional Monarchy (ACM).
While the G-G maintains that he is not advocating either a change to our existing system of government nor supporting the status quo, his comments in the CEF-A's Annual Report makes for interesting reading. On p 24 of the report (which appears to be a reproduction of a speech) he states: "Our present system has worked very well for over 100 years giving us a stability of government that is the envy of many other nations". The GG states that it's perfectly within the right of Australians to explore constitutional change, "But in doing so I think it would be wise to have a clear understanding as to why our present system has worked so well; and what have been the mechanisms, including the checks and balances, to ensure that."
We encourage ARM members and supporters to write to the Governor-General, registering their opposition to the GG's entirely inappropriate role with CEF-A. His contact details are:
Government House
Dunrossil Drive
YARRALUMLA ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6283 3533
Fax: (02) 6281 3760
Email: governor-general@gg.gov.au
The
ARM’s NSW Council presents a guided tour of the Margaret Preston
Retrospective to be followed by drinks
Venue: The NSW Art Gallery
Address: Art Gallery Road Sydney
Date: 3 August 2005
Time: 5.30 pm
Cost: $20.00 per person
RSVP: nsw@republic.org.au Flyer
A day of celebration for Australian women: 30th anniversary 1975 International Women's Year and 60th anniversary 1945 United Nations Charter
The Celebration Seminar: Revolution And Reform: International Women’s Year & Beyond
Date: Saturday 6 August 2005
Time: 1pm - 3:30pm
Venue: Chamber of the House of Representatives, Old Parliament House, Canberra
Free
followed by Reception and dinner
Time: 6:00pm
Venue: King's Hall, Old Parliament House, Canberra
Tickets: $100
RSVP by 23 July 2005 Flyer
JOIN THE ARM & LEAH PURCELL FOR ‘STUFF HAPPENS’
Date: Tuesday 16 August 2005
Time: 6:00pm for 6:30pm show
Venue: York Theatre, The Seymour Centre
Address: Cnr City Rd & Cleveland St, The University of Sydney, Chippendale
Tickets: $45 per person
RSVP: director@republic.org.au Flyer
The ARM’s WA Council presents My Republic Rules!
With special guests Dr Carmen Lawrence, Member for Fremantle, & Mr Andre Shannon, My Restaurant Rules star
Date: Monday 22 August 2005
Time: 7:00 – 9:00pm
Venue: Tiger Lil Function Room
Address: 437 Murray Street Perth (Wilson Parking Opposite)
Cost: $40 per person, including a complimentary glass of wine
RSVP: by August 18 to Alex McGavin (08) 9399 2581 or Julie Armstrong 0408 905 302 Flyer
QLD Republic Upstairs with Richard Fidler
Date: Thursday 25 August 2005
Time: 5.30pm for 6pm
Venue: Glassworks Wine Bar & Bistro (Upstairs)
Address: 26 Market Street, Brisbane CBD
Cost: $10 per head at door, includes entry & finger food ~ drinks are at bar prices
RSVP: 1@dmwobrien.com or 0407 363 368 Flyer
SEPTEMBER
The ARM’s QLD Council presents 'President Wilson in Paris'
Date: Friday 9 September 2005
Time: 8pm
Venue: Gardens Theatre, QUT
Cost: Adult $38 Concession/Student $32
RSVP: Friday 2nd September.
More information 0407 363 368 or 1@dwmobrien.com Flyer
