ARM MEDIA RELEASE - 15 March 2006

Republicans welcome PM's comments

The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) has today welcomed comments by the Prime Minister to British media concerning a future Australian republic.

The ARM's Chair Ted O'Brien was heartened by the Prime Minister's openness to the prospect of a future Australian Head of State.

"Mr Howard's recognition that 'it is very unlikely that the country will become a republic while the present Queen is on the throne' indicates quite clearly that this may not be the case when Prince Charles takes over from Queen Elizabeth as Australia's Head of State."

"While we don't think the Prime Minister has become a republican overnight, his change of language clearly indicates that even he is now starting to question the future relevance of a British monarch as Australia's Head of State," said Mr O'Brien.

The ARM's National Director Allison Henry stated that "While encouraged by this shift, the Australian Republican Movement reiterates its belief that we need to further the republican debate prior to that time when the Queen ceases to be monarch.

"Australians should take the initiative and reform our constitutional system according to our own timetable. An Australian republic remains fundamental to our identity as a nation; it should not be made to wait for developments outside of Australia."