ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 3 March 2005

Dear Charles, A letter from Aussie Republicans

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has written an open letter to HRH the Prince of Wales, Australia's future King Charles III. ARM members hope to present Prince Charles or his representatives with the letter at the gates of Government House, Canberra, when he arrives there at approximately 6pm tomorrow (Friday) evening.

The Chair of the ARM, Professor John Warhurst, said the polite and respectful letter would outline some key events and changes to occur in Australia in the past 11 years, since the heir to the throne last visited Australian shores.

"At present we do not have an Australian Head of State. As the likely future King of Australia and Head of State, it is important Prince Charles understands contemporary Australia and the forces that have shaped it, " Professor Warhurst said.

"Our letter explains to the Prince why we believe Australia deserves its own Head of State, and why we believe becoming a republic would be a natural step in the evolution of this great nation of ours.

"The Prince has made comments in the past that suggest an understanding attitude to Australia's aspiration to become a republic. We hope that this attitude means he will welcome this letter with an open mind."

The ARM called on Australians to consider who they want at the apex of Australia's constitutional system: a member of the British aristocracy or one of us, an Australian drawn from amongst us, with an understanding of who we are and what we aspire to.

ARM Chair John Warhurst said that "For too long, Australians have considered the issue of a Republic in the context of the Queen. That's now changing. This visit has prompted Australians 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."

ARM Letter to HRH The Prince of Wales