ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 13 October 2003

ARM Announces New Leadership Team

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today announced a change in its leadership team.

Professor John Warhurst was endorsed at a recent National Committee meeting to continue as Chair, and will lead the ARM into 2004. Lawyer and activist Jason Li will also continue as Deputy Chair of the ARM. Anne Henderson, Deputy Director of the Sydney Institute and a member of the ARM’s National Committee for the past year, takes over the second Deputy Chair position from Susan Ryan AO, who recently stood down from the ARM’s National Committee and executive.

Professor Warhurst welcomed Anne Henderson to the executive and said that it was an indication of the strength of the Movement that Ms Henderson was willing to dedicate her extensive skills and experience in public life to advancing the cause of the republic.

Ms Henderson said that she was delighted to be elected and looked forward to being part of the ARM's next phase in the ongoing move to an Australian Head of State.

Professor Warhurst also thanked and paid tribute to Ms Ryan’s commitment and contribution to the ARM, noting that she had “brought a wealth of political experience to the organisation.” Ms Ryan had been Deputy Chair of the ARM since October 2000 and had taken a particularly active role in the corporate administration of the organisation. She also headed up the ARM’s Women’s Network nationally and was a frequent speaker at ARM events around the country.

Professor Warhurst said that the continuing priority for the ARM was to be “an umbrella organisation for the majority of Australians who want an Australian Head of State, and to engage with Australia’s political leaders in promoting an Australian republic.” Professor Warhurst added that the ARM's immediate priority was to become actively involved in the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee’s forthcoming Inquiry into the Republic.