A PERSPECTIVE ON CITIZENSHIP TESTS AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

Debate over formal citizenship tests proposed by Andrew Robb, parliamentary secretary for immigration and multicultural affairs, in his paper “Australian Citizenship: much more than a ceremony” is the first bout in an emerging contest to redefine Australia’s national identity. It is therefore important for parliament and the community to consider Robb’s proposal, not in isolation, but within the broader context of who we are as a nation, our key symbols and institutions.

And since there is no more important constitutional, institutional and symbolic office in Australia than the Head of State, let me pose this question: Will we demand our Head of State subscribe to the same fundamental Australian values that we may soon demand of our newest citizens? After all, the office of Head of State is incongruent to at least three values outlined by Robb: democracy, gender equality and a fair go.

I encourage the parliament and community to consider the emerging debate on citizenship as the starting point for a bigger debate on improving our framework of nationhood by becoming a Republic with an Australian as Head.


THE ARM CHANGES ITS CONSITUTION

I am delighted to announce that the ARM’s Re-focus Program has been successfully competed. On Saturday the 16th of September, a General Meeting of ARM members voted in favour of Special Resolutions to change the ARM’s constitution and thereby allow all remaining Re-Focus initiatives to come into effect. The Re-Focus Program presents an important milestone for our movement and its key initiatives were derived through a highly consultative process with the National Committee, Branch Councils and the ARM’s membership. The unanimous support received by 70+ members who voted on the Special Resolutions was a wonderful validation of the program. Thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported the ARM’s Re-Focus Program.


AMBASSADORS TO PRESENT CREDENTIALS TO THE GG

We welcomed public news in late September that all new ambassadors to Australia have to present their credentials upon arrival in Canberra, not to the Queen, but to the Governor-General.

As I explained in an interview with The Canberra Times, any non-constitutional reform such as this is a welcomed step en route to the ultimate goal of a Republic with an Australian Head of State. It would be wrong for people to consider the Republic issue as merely a domestic one of constitutional reform. At its very core, it’s about vesting sovereignty of our nation in the Australian people and non-constitutional changes such as this should therefore be welcomed. Still, however, such moves are no substitute for the main game: Australia becoming a Republic.


WA CELEBRATES THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY

West Australia had a public holiday for the Queen’s Birthday on Monday 3 October. As discussed on WA radio, we should not be looking to rid of this public holiday but to replace it. The Queen’s Birthday holiday should be replaced with a theme that has either profound national significance like Australia Day & ANZAC Day (eg Wattle Day, Democracy Day, Volunteer Day) or at least special meaning to the more immediate community (eg Show Day to celebrate the annual country/city show in Perth).


NATIONAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

The ARM’s National Committee elections commence shortly. As a democratic grassroots movement, all financial members are welcome to run for office in our representative Committees and I encourage all passionate and hard working Republicans to consider running as a candidate for the NC. If you wish to know more about the NC please ask your Branch Convenor, one of our existing NC directors or feel free to contact me at chair@republic.org.au.

Republican regards,

Ted O’Brien, ARM Chair
chair@republic.org.au

Back to top

Nominations for the ARM’s National Committee elections opened on Monday 18 September and close on Friday 13 October. The election will be held between Monday 6 November and Friday 17 November. The new NC will be declared on Friday 24 November.

In order to participate as electors and/or candidates you must be a financial member as at 5pm Friday 13 October 2006. If you have not already done so, you can renew your membership online.

It’s that time of the year again when we need to raise funds through our annual Republican Raffle. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Last year’s raffle raised more than $30,000 towards our campaign for an Australian Head of State. In 2006 we have another terrific line-up of prizes:

1st prize: $1000 Westfield shopping voucher
2nd prize: York "Cardiofit 220P" exercise bike from Warhurst Agencies valued at $399
3rd prize: "Nylex Extreme Summer Pack" with premium Nylex, Gardena & Esky products valued at $250
4th prize: Gift voucher from David Jones valued at $250
5th prize: A “Pizza Party Pack” from Eagle Boys valued at $200
6th prize: Bottle of Chinese national drink, Mou Tai valued at $150
7th prize: A selection of 6 Mornington Peninsula wines valued at $150
8th prize: Two cases, Sauvignon Blanc & Syrah Tempranillo, from De Bortoli Wines valued at $144
9th prize: Two bottles of 2003 Plunkett Reserve Shiraz from Strathbogie Ranges Vinters valued at $120
10th prize: An ARM merchandise kit valued at $100

The National Republican Lecturer for 2006 is Rebecca Huntley, social researcher and author of The World according to Y: Inside the New Adult Generation.

This year’s Lecture will be delivered in Canberra on the evening of Wednesday 29 November 2006, at the Wesley Music Centre, National Circuit, Barton.

The title for this year’s lecture is: Trust Matters: politics, trust and the republican cause. Rebecca Huntley has indicated that she will address the attitudes of generation Y to the republic and the significance of trust in the political system in engaging on republican and other issues for that age group and the wider community.

The National Republican Lecture has become a major event on the republican calendar, providing fresh insight and perspective for the republican cause. The event is once again being sponsored by Yellow Edge, a Canberra based human resources and business consulting company, with offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Singapore.

For those ARM members unable to attend the lecture, the text will be posted on the ARM’s website, along with previous lectures.

The ACT Branch is working closely with the newly relocated National Office and new Executive Officer Pamela Hunt. A roster of volunteers is being established to provide assistance to the part time Executive Officer and to help out with major mail outs and organisational initiatives. Easy access to the office in Lonsdale Street Braddon provides the opportunity for ACT members to be more actively involved in the republican cause and the Branch is looking forward to building on the relationship in 2007. Please contact Pamela Hunt if you are able to assist.

20 Sept 2006
Ambassadors now Welcome to an Australian Republic