ARM Media Statement - 9 June 1999

Republicans disappointed by decision by the Minister responsible for Head of State referendum to support Monarchist League

The Australian Republican Movement today voiced its disappointment that Senator Chris Ellison, the Special Minister for State responsible for the fair conduct of the November referendum, is the star attraction at a fundraising function tomorrow night for the Australian Monarchist League to raise funds to fight the No case against an Australian Republic.

The communication director of the Australian Republican Movement, Wayne Burns, said the organisation deeply regretted that the Minister responsible for legislation governing the referendum and the conduct of the referendum campaign had decided to align himself with one side of the debate.

"As many monarchists may say, this is not exactly cricket," Mr Burns said. "Senator Ellison is responsible for the Government's referendum campaign. He should be above the fray and not accept invitations to any fundraising event for any organisation involved in the debate over whether the nation will continue to have a citizen of another country or an Australian as our Head of State.

"Being the star turn at an event to celebrate the official birthday of the Queen and help the Monarchist League raise money to help prevent an Australian from ever being or Head of State is not the type of behaviour we, and many other Australians, expect from the Minister charged with carriage of both the official Yes and No cases in the referendum and the fair conduct of the vote."

Mr Burns said the $50 a head dinner at Parliament House in Sydney at 6pm on June 10 was clearly a fundraising event.

"Before he accepted this invitation, the ARM was under the impression that Senator Ellison was, in line with community expectations, above letting any personal feelings he may have about having an Australian citizen as Head of State impact in any way on his Ministerial responsibility for the referendum.

"In this light, his acceptance to speak at the Monarchist League fundraising function is either an unfortunate mistake or a deliberate statement of where he stands on the republican referendum for which he has carriage. In either event, this is very disappointing."

Note: Senator Chris Ellison cancelled his appearance at this function at the last minute.

Authorised by Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Republican Movement, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000