ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 31 August 2004

Breakthrough for the republic

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today welcomed the report of the Senate Legal and Constitutional References Committee's Inquiry into an Australian Republic. The Inquiry's report focuses on two simple issues: what kind of republic Australians want, and how we should bring about an Australian republic.

The Chair of the ARM, Professor John Warhurst, welcomed the report and stated that "Australia is stuck between a system of constitutional monarchy and a republic to come, and it's a place that Australia should not stay in for long. This report is a welcome breakthrough. It provides a framework for how we make the journey from a discredited and broken system to a homegrown republic with an Australian Head of State."

"In the move to an Australian republic, the people must be consulted at every step of the way. The Senate Inquiry endorses a highly democratic plebiscite process which will let the people have their say".

The ARM welcomed the multi-partisan nature of the Inquiry. Professor Warhurst stressed that a republic would only eventuate with cooperation among our political leaders. "The ARM has been encouraged by the Opposition's proposals under Mark Latham, and also by recent positive comments by the Treasurer Peter Costello. We call on republicans of all persuasions and from all political parties to embrace the findings of this Inquiry."

Professor Warhurst highlighted that "Polls consistently record that most Australians would prefer an Australian Head of State rather than the retention of Queen Elizabeth II or a future King Charles III at the top of our constitutional system. Let's bring on a plebiscite vote and let the people decide!"