Media Alert - 19 September 2002

ARM Announces New Leadership Team

The Australian Republican Movement today announced its new leadership team after recent elections for its National Committee. As well as a number of first time members of the National Committee, a new Chair and Deputies have been confirmed.

The new Chair is Professor John Warhurst, of the Australian National University in Canberra, The Deputies elected are former ALP Cabinet Minister, Susan Ryan AO and lawyer and activist Jason Li. Other new members of the National Committee are: student leader Mr Will Fowles from Victoria (elected as National Youth Convenor); Liberal Senator for NSW Marise Payne; Aboriginal leader Audrey Ngingali of the ACT; Writer Anne Henderson of Sydney; adviser to the Victorian Government Andrew Macleod; adviser to the Tasmanian Government David Morris and former Public Relations professional, Helen Millicer who takes over the running of the ARM’s Victorian Branch.

Professor Warhurst is the fourth person to lead the ARM since its establishment in 1991, his predecessors being Tom Kenealy, Malcolm Turnbull and, until this week, Greg Barns. Professor Warhurst said that he was honoured to be chosen to head the ARM and looked forward to leading the organisation through what may be a difficult period. Professor Warhurst thanked those members of the National Committee who have stood down and paid particular tribute to the tireless work of Greg Barns over the last two years to raise the profile of the issue and lead the organisation.

Professor Warhurst said that the priority for the ARM was to" provide an opportunity for republicans of all persuasions to have an open and honest debate about the range of issues and options in a way that will allow the majority of Australians who want an Australian Head of State to have one" He added that it is also the ARM’s role to engage with Australia’s political leaders to convince them that they need to provide the opportunities for Australians to have their say about what type of a republic we should have.

Further Comment:

John Warhurst, Chair, 0439 498 283

Jim Terrie, National Director, 0411 240 970