ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 4 February 2005

Sorry mate, you're just not one of us

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today welcomed the forthcoming visit of Prince Charles to Australia.

The ARM's National Chair, Professor John Warhurst highlighted that the trip - to Perth, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra between 28 February and 5 March 2005 - will be the first visit to Australia in 11 years for our future King Charles III.

Professor Warhurst stated that "The Prince of Wales' visit will serve as a timely and unwelcome reminder that under Australia's system of constitutional monarchy the Prince and his sons are next in line to the top constitutional position in Australia.

"These princes hold office entirely by virtue of being born into the right family. This system is completely outdated in a modern and vibrant democracy like Australia.

"The office of Australia's Head of State, like all other public positions in Australia, should be determined on merit, not birthright."

"Australia's Head of State should be one of us," said ARM Deputy Chair Ted O'Brien, "not someone on the other side of the world who has no idea what it's like to be Australian. Our future King has not been here for over a decade. He is not one of us. How can he possibly understand Australia or its people?"

"The question of a future Australian republic comes down to one fundamental question", said Mr O'Brien. "Who should be our Head of State: a member of the British royal family or a fellow Australian?"