The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today released a statement concerning the appointment of His Excellency, the Honourable Mr Justice William Cox AC, RFD, ED as Tasmania's 26th Governor.

ARM Chair, Professor John Warhurst, welcomed the Premier's statement that he had consulted with the leaders of the Liberal and Green parties before announcing the new Governor and that the appointment had multi-partisan support.

Professor Warhurst noted that "The controversy surrounding the former Tasmanian Governor Mr Butler highlighted the difficulties that arise from an antiquated constitutional system where only one person decided on the Governor. Discussion and consultation such as undertaken by Premier Lennon in this instance broadens the appointment process and is to be welcomed."

Professor Warhurst emphasised that while steps to modernise the appointment process at a state level should be replicated nationally in the future appointment of Governors-General, such reform does not substitute for the ultimate goal of constitutional reform to bring about an Australian republic with an Australian Head of State.

"Opinion polls consistently demonstrate that Australians support a republic with an Australian Head of State. While we are happy to see some incremental change in the appointment of vice-regal positions in Australia, we will continue to campaign for a true Australian Head of State."