ARM MEDIA RELEASE

ARM Welcomes Senate Inquiry on the Republic

The Australian Republican Movement has welcomed the Senate's decision for the Senate Legal and Constitutional committee to conduct an enquiry into what kind of republic the Australian community wants. It recognises that there is majority support in the community for a republic but also that there is considerable debate over what steps should be taken and over what type of republic model should be taken to a second referendum. The ARM will be making submissions to the public enquiry.

The ARM Chair, Prof. John Warhurst said that "The Senate decision is entirely in accord with the belief of the ARM that these decisions ought to be taken by the Australian community. The ARM has already contributed to the debate by developing two relevant discussion papers entitled: 'Process: what do you think?" and "Six Models for an Australian Republic" [available at www.republic.org.au]

Prof. Warhurst added that "the ARM particularly welcomes the bipartisan support for a republic that this Senate motion demonstrates. We call on republicans of all persuasions and from all political parties to support this public enquiry"

John Warhurst, Chair, 0439 498 283
Jim Terrie, National Director, 0411 240 970