ARM Media Statement - 7 December, 2000

ARM Welcomes Monarchy Human Rights Challenge

The Australian Republican Movement today welcomed the move by the British newspaper 'The Guardian' to challenge the laws governing succession to the British throne on human rights grounds.

The Chair of the ARM, Mr Greg Barns, said "in Australia we have always prided ourselves on being egalitarian and non discriminatory. The action being taken by the Guardian in respect to the monarchy clearly demonstrated that even in Britain the monarch is out of step with modern British society, this is even more the case in Australia"

Mr Barns also said that "last year's referendum and the continuing campaign for Australia to become a republic is about Australians having a Head of State that they can relate to and who can relate to them. Its difficult to see how Queen Elizabeth II or her heirs and successors can achieve this. If the British are now asking the same sort of questions then it's a clear signal to Australian's need to resolve the issue themselves, the Queen herself said as much when visiting earlier this year."

He added "Just as Britons are now reflecting on the relevance of the monarchy, next year the Centenary of Federation will be an ideal opportunity for Australians to reflect how far we have evolved over the last 100 years and consider where we want to go next. This includes such fundamental issues as our constitutional arrangements and the Head of State." He urged all Australians to involve themselves in this important debate.

Enquiries: Jim Terrie, National Director, 02 9267 8022, 0411 240970