ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 10 August 2004

ARM statement on Butler Resignation

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today released a statement concerning the resignation of Richard Butler AC as Tasmanian Governor.

ARM Chair, Professor John Warhurst, stated that: "The controversy surrounding the vice-regal role is unfortunate. The resignation of Mr Butler as Tasmanian Governor, following on from the resignation of Archbishop Hollingworth as Governor-General last year, highlights the difficulties that arise from an antiquated constitutional system. How many Governors and Governors-General do we need to go through before we recognise that there is a fundamental flaw in the existing system?"

"Such controversy may have been avoided had more discussion and consultation with the community taken place at the time of their appointments," said Professor Warhurst. "Steps to modernise the appointment process at both a state and national level can be implemented immediately, so long as we keep in mind that there is no substitute for the ultimate goal of an Australian republic with an Australian Head of State."

Commenting on the great attention afforded to Mr Butler in his role as Tasmanian Governor, Professor Warhurst commented: "Opinion polls consistently demonstrate that Australians support a republic with an Australian Head of State. Under those circumstances it is not surprising that the roles of the Queen's representatives in Australia will continue to come under scrutiny."

The ARM rejected calls that republicans should not be appointed to vice-regal positions. "Polls consistently demonstrate that a majority of Australians are republican in sentiment," said Professor Warhurst. "To take this argument to its logical conclusion would be to argue that the majority of the Australian population is unfit for high office. Plainly this is ridiculous. While we continue to have a constitutional monarchy in Australia republicans and monarchists alike should be considered for such positions."

Professor Warhurst highlighted that the Australian Republican Movement was campaigning towards a republic with an Australian Head of State. "These sorts of controversies demonstrate that we're on the right track. Constitutional reform to bring our system into the twenty-first century is essential. The current system is broken and it needs fixing."