ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 29 September 2003

Call to replace Queen's Birthday with Perth Show Day

The Australian Republican Movement (WA) has called upon the State Government to amend the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA) to abolish the Queen's Birthday holiday and replace it with a day more pertinent to West Australians, such as a Perth Show Day on the Monday immediately following the weekend which the show commences.

"Show Day would be a perfect day to replace the Queen's Birthday. It showcases the finest local produce and livestock, as well as the most talented art, cooking, craftwork, woodwork from all over the State. The Show has always been a unique blend of bringing the country to the city. It brings our State closer together and helps remind us of who we are. I think this is something worth celebrating, especially when you consider some of our fresh produce is amongst the finest in the world," ARM Deputy Convenor David Michael said.

"Additionally, when you look across the nation, most other States in Australia celebrate their 'Show Day'", David Michael added.

ARM State Convenor Julie Armstrong remarked, "Personally I think it is ridiculous that we are celebrating the Queen's Birthday on a day in September which not only isn't her birthday (which is actually April 21) but is also different to when all the other States in Australia celebrate the Queen's Birthday. Considering the United Kingdom doesn't even have a public holiday to celebrate the Queen's Birthday, why should we in Western Australia? I think it would be much more sensible to celebrate a day with something that is actually relevant to Western Australians who love and live in the West, as opposed to monarchs who reside some 15,000 miles away and who probably do not care a great deal about Western Australia or its people."

Media Contact:

Julie Armstrong (Convenor) ph. (M) 0408 905 302