ARM Media Statement - 17 March 2000

Australian Republican Movement ‘welcomes’ the Queen’s visit

The Australian Republican Movement today welcomed the Queen’s coming visit as an opportunity for all Australians to reflect upon the fact that Australia does not have one of their own as its head of state.

The National Director of the ARM, James Terrie, said “that unlike many of our opponents during the debate leading to the November 6 referendum, we are not confused or attempting to mislead the public as to who our head of state is - it is Queen Elizabeth II. This is the core of our call for Australia to have a head of state that is an Australian citizen and resident, not someone who lives in another country and whose loyalty is to that foreign country."

Mr Terrie added that the contortions that many monarchists have had to go through have also been reflected in the debacle as to who will open the Olympic Games. Protocol and precedent demands that it should be the head of state of Australia - the Queen. Similar confusion is reflected in changes to the loyal toast during the visit.

“If the monarchists and supporters of the status quo can’t get it right then what hope does anyone else have in understanding the incongruities in our current constitutional arrangements,” Mr Terrie said.

The ARM will not be holding any ‘counter-demonstrations’ during the Queen’s visit and asks all republicans to treat the visit with the appropriate respect due to our head of state. Mr Terrie said that the ARM expected that after the Queen has departed there will be increased public awareness and debate as to the need for Australia to have its own head of state.

Authorised by Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Republican Movement, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000