The ALP through its history has had a significant impact on Australia's constitutional and cultural development and redefining our place in the world. The influences of Curtin, Whitlam and Keating, in particular, have had a profound effect on making the issue of the republic an integral part of Labor's vision for Australia.

Since the defeat of the Referendum Kim Beazley has continually re-committed, most recently at the Centenary of Federation celebrations in Melbourne, the ALP to advancing the objective of Australia becoming a Republic and replacing the Queen with an Australian as Head of State.
But while advancing a Republic is in the platform and the Leader actively promotes it there are a number of issues that parliamentarians, members and supporters of the ALP will have to engage with if the republic is to be eventually achieved.

Firstly, we have to develop and support a process that will allow Australians to work through the many issues that weren't satisfactorily resolved in the Howard driven process of 98 & 99. As proposed, the first step of a plebiscite asking Australian's do they want a republic is a necessary and engaging way to move forward. Afterwards comes the real work - to bridge the gap between the differing views on what type of republic we want. Both in Government and as members of the community the ALP will need to facilitate this important debate at all levels. This could involve conventions at the local, regional and national level; parliamentary and community based committees listening and making recommendations and, if needed, a plebiscite to measure support for different propositions. A thorough process will ensure a successful referendum.

Labor members will also have to work to overcome some of the reluctance that exists among our supporters. It is an oversimplification to say that the referendum was lost in Labor seats. For example, in the 15 seats that voted 'Yes' in NSW, 9 were Labor seats, including 'traditional' Labor seats such as Newcastle, and the top four 'Yes' seats nationally were Labor seats. However, there were seats where strong Labor support didn't equate to strong support for the proposition put in November 1999. In Labor branches and through the involvement of ALP members in other community groups (such as the ARM), particularly outside the 'inner-city belt' where republican support is strongest, will be a good place to reinvigorate debate and promote the republic.

Critical to the success of the process will be maintenance of solid support for the republic across the parties. Kim Beazley said after the defeat of the Nov 99 referendum that "a referendum has negligible chance of success in Australia without bipartisan political support, including the active support of the Prime Minister." this will be more likely in a post-Howard political environment. During the referendum campaign the most profound image was that of Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Doug Anthony campaigning together. The genuine unanimity shown by these once adversaries, shows what is both necessary and achievable on the 'big picture' issues at the core of Labor's progressive vision. Whatever the result of the coming or subsequent federal elections the active support and leadership of the ALP will be necessary to ensure that we achieve a Republic and a better Australia.

James Terrie has been the National Director of the ARM since March 2000 and a member of the ALP since 1994.