ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 12 March 2006

Will the Queen be in the green & gold?

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) today welcomed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip and wished them well for their brief stay in Australia.

The ARM's National Director, Allison Henry, stated "We expect that the Queen's presence here will serve to remind Australians once again that we have a constitutional system in need of repair.

"While the Queen is held in great affection by the Australian people, many Australians recognise that it is no longer sensible for us to have a citizen of another country, who visits Australia only occasionally, as our Head of State," said Ms Henry.

"Australia deserves more than an absentee Head of State," said Ms Henry. "We want someone drawn from amongst us, who is based here in Australia fulltime and who we know, without doubt, is pursuing Australia's interests."

ARM Chair Ted O'Brien stated that "An Australian Head of State would be here for most of the Games, supporting our athletes in our second largest city, Melbourne. An Australian Head of State wouldn't be flying in and out of Melbourne over one night, while Melbourne and Australia are being showcased to the world.

"Here at the ARM we're looking forward to barracking for Australian athletes this week, and we'll also be barracking for an Australian Head of State," said Mr O'Brien.

"Given the Queen's siding with the English cricket and rugby teams in recent years, who the Queen will be barracking for when she attends swimming events at the Commonwealth Games this week?" asked Mr O'Brien.

"We want a Head of State who will be barracking for Aussie athletes at the Games. We want a Head of State in the green and gold!"