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ARM
Media Statement - 12 February 2001
Australian
Republican Movement Welcomes Gallop Win
The Chair of the Australian Republican Movement,
Mr Greg Barns, and the Western Australian Convenor of the
ARM, Mr Gary Mitchell, today welcomed West Australian Labor
Leader Geoff Gallop's win in Saturday's election. Dr Gallop
is a strong supporter of an Australia Head of State and his
win now means that seven of the eight State and Territory
Leaders are republicans - the only exception being ACT Chief
Minister Gary Humphries.
In congratulating
Dr Gallop, Mr Barns and Mr Mitchell said: "Geoff Gallop
is a firmly committed believer in an Australia Head of State
and has not been afraid to advocate his stance in the republican
debate since he became Leader of the WA Labor Party in 1996.
Dr Gallop
is also on record as supporting an examination of how Western
Australia's Governor is appointed with a view to allowing
the people of Western Australia a greater say in the appointment
process. This is an aim that the ARM strongly supports.
Once Dr
Gallop and his Ministry settle in, we look forward to meeting
with him to discuss he and his Government's position on how
Western Australians, and Australians generally, can take the
next step and ensure that we have our own Head of State as
soon as possible.
We will
also talk to Dr Gallop about the issue of allowing the Western
Australian people a say in the appointment of the State Governor
as we believe such a move will enable the community to see
that constitutional change in this area is safe and improves
our strong democratic tradition.
Mr Barns
and Mr Mitchell also noted that if current Liberal Deputy
Leader, Colin Barnett, becomes Leader of the Opposition, this
will mean that, as is the case in New South Wales, Victoria,
Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory, both
the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition will be firmly
committed to ensuring that when the next opportunity arises
for the Australian people to have their say, they will support
a Yes vote for an Australian Head of State.
Comment:
Greg Barns,
Chair, 0419 691846
Jim Terrie, National Director, 0411 240970
Gary Mitchell, Convenor ARM WA, 08 9274 1453
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