ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 20 January 2006

A Mate for Head of State

Republicans are calling for a mate to be head of state.

As Australia Day approaches, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) is joining other republicans in reminding the community that a republic is ultimately about having a fellow Australian in the top job.

This Sunday, the 22nd of January, the ARM will host events around the nation in support of a new initiative, under the slogan "A Mate for Head of State".

ARM National Chair Ted O'Brien said: "When people talk about an Australian republic, they sometimes drown in the technical debate about the constitution"

"But the basic premise of a republic is having a fellow Aussie as our Head of State, rather than the British Monarch."

Republicans behind the day hope that it will become an annual event on the Sunday before each Australia Day.

Actor and director John Bell AM is one of the key organisers. He asks Australians to "put to one side the constitutional debate and ask themselves why our Head of State should not be one of us."

ARM community events across the country this Sunday include:

• Luncheon on the Mornington Peninsula
• Breakfast on the banks of the Swan River in Perth
• Sausage sizzle at New Farm Park in Brisbane
• Picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin
• Beachside brunch and sausage sizzle at North Bondi Beach
• Pub celebration in Hobart
• Australiana trivia at a pub in Adelaide and
• Events in regional centres, such as Armidale and the Gold Coast.