Chair's Report
A PERSPECTIVE ON THE HOUSE OF WINDSOR
In April it was news about Prince William breaking up with Kate Middleton. In May it was news about whether Prince Harry should serve the British Army in Iraq. In the month ahead, it will probably be a new set of photos of the Queen as we belatedly commemorate her 81st birthday.
I am not one to knock good love stories from far away shores, dramas about British soldiers or birthday celebrations of foreign monarchs. It concerns me, however, that we too rarely turn our minds to the sorry fact that this family from the House of Windsor is at the apex of our political system.
The irrelevance of British royalty in Australia may not be a new argument in the Republic debate, but it's one that is continually reinforced. Even though the Republic is not top of our country's political agenda and is not front of mind for everyday Australians, these recurring news items on the British monarchy remind us of the importance of our cause: that our nation and our fellow citizens deserve to have one of their own as Head of State.
STANDING ASIDE AS CHAIR
As ARM members would be aware from previous correspondence, I am a candidate in this year’s federal election.
In line with the plan for me to stand aside as National Chair prior to campaign proper, I advised the National Committee of my desire to effect that plan some weeks ago and, with their acceptance, I stood aside from the position of National Chair at the National Committee meeting on May the 28th.
MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL KEATING TO BECOME ACTING-CHAIR
You may recall from last month's Chair's Report that Terry Fewtrell was to become Acting Chair. However, since then, Terry's workload elsewhere has resulted in him no longer being in a position to take on the additional responsibility. We of course respect Terry's decision in this regard and we thank him for the enormous contribution he continues to make as both Senior Deputy Chair and Convenor of the ACT Council.
I am delighted to advise you that the National Committee has endorsed Michael (Mike) Keating to fill the role of Acting Chair. Mike is a Director on the National Committee and currently holds the Strategy & Campaigning portfolio, a role he has been performing exceptionally well. His appointment to Acting Chair by the National Committee comes with my absolute support and confidence. Beyond Mike's proven Republican credentials, he carries with him an impeccable background in Australia’s armed forces, having reached and served in the rank of Major General. He is also a Member of the Order of Australia.
I am delighted to advise you that the National Committee has endorsed Michael (Mike) Keating to fill the role of Acting Chair. Mike is a Director on the National Committee and currently holds the Strategy & Campaigning portfolio, a role he has been performing exceptionally well. His appointment to Acting Chair by the National Committee comes with my absolute support and confidence. Beyond Mike's proven Republican credentials, he carries with him an impeccable background in Australia’s armed forces, having reached and served in the rank of Major General. He is also a Member of the Order of Australia.
I ask all ARM members to join with me in congratulating Mike and offering him our support.
One of the additional measures decided by the National Committee in February was for our Media Liaison Director, John Warhurst, to be the media spokesperson for the ARM until the federal election. This remains the case and so while Mike fills the role of Acting Chair, John will act as the ARM's key spokesperson.
I thank the National Committee for its management of this matter, which have been proactive and responsible.
Republican regards,
Ted O'Brien, ARM Chair
chair@republic.org.au
Back to top
|
