ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 20 November 2003

Republic the way forward for 'work in progress' nation: Woolcott

The debate on Australia's movement to a republic will be given new impetus when Mr Richard Woolcott AC delivers the Inaugural National Republican Lecture on Wednesday, 26 November, 6pm, at the National Press Club in Canberra.

In his lecture, Away With the Anachronism: A republic will serve Australia's domestic and international interests, Mr Woolcott will draw on his extensive background as a diplomat and senior public servant to argue the need for Australia to become a republic.

His address will deal both with the criticisms levelled by monarchists and with the practical advantages of an Australian republic.

"Australia is a work in progress. As our society diversifies and evolves, the next step in the unfolding history of Australia must be the overdue establishment of a distinctively Australian republic,” Mr Woolcott will argue.

“On the basis of my long experience at home and abroad I know in my heart that the removal of a confusing vestige of our colonial past, our anachronistic constitutional link with the British Monarchy, can only serve Australia's domestic and international interests."

Richard Woolcott is a former Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has had wide experience as an Australian Ambassador and High Commissioner. He was also Australia's representative on the Security Council when he was Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations.

The lecture is open to the public and entry is free of charge.