ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 11 February 2005

Royal announcement reignites interest in republic

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today responded to speculation that the announcement of Prince Charles's forthcoming wedding would reignite the republican debate in Australia.

ARM National Director Allison Henry said this morning, "Frankly, we couldn't be less interested in the developments of the British royal family - we're Australian republicans after all - and this is essentially a personal matter for Prince Charles and Mrs Parker Bowles. We've got no beef with them personally, we wish them well."

"Something's going on though", said Ms Henry. "We've had a surge of people signing up to the ARM as members and supporters. It's our biggest 12 hour increase in membership since news broke of Australian taxpayers footing the bill for security on Prince Harry's trip here 18 months ago, and it started straight after media reports of the engagement."

"We've also started getting abusive calls and emails, which is always an obvious sign that someone's upset about developments with the monarchy."

ARM Deputy Chair Ted O'Brien said that "For too long, Australians have considered the issue of a Republic in the context of the Queen. That's now changing. We are starting to realise that the real issue of a Republic lies with Prince Charles. After all, a Republic is about the simple question of who should be our next Head of State, and the answer to that question is either Prince Charles or a fellow Australian."