Dennis Flannery
The Macquarie Dictionary defines a republic as being “…a state, especially a democratic state, in which the head of the government is an elected or nominated president, not a hereditary monarch.”
Australia is a thriving multicultural country long-separated from the monarchistic apron strings of England and its head of state. It is time to symbolically assert our status as an independent nation and begin the process of consulting the Australian community as to the preferred republican model and implement it.
There was movement at the station for the word had got around
That the A.R.M was off and running free,
In respect of your comments the other day,
When you swore your sad oath and then gave us a spray;
We won't ridicule you, though we easily could,
Your risible qualities are well understood.
Following the open forum with members (our own 2009 Summit!) earlier this year, the ACT branch has identified key focus areas for the next year. The objective was to set an agenda for the branch that ensured we engaged better with members and the community. From a wide range of suggestions the branch will focus on the following:
Trial daytime meetings
Using technology: An SA ARM 'Facebook’ site has been set up, as well as a 'My Space’ account. Links to this can be found at the SA website.
Local Meetings
Last December the Victorian Branch lodged a submission to a Victorian parliamentary inquiry suggesting changes to the current oath of allegiance to the Queen. Subsequently the parliamentary committee has recommended that the current oath of allegiance to the Queen be amended. We are now endeavouring to see that the Victorian Government acts on this advice.
Membership cards
We believe that all ARM membership cards have now been forwarded out. If you are a member and you haven't received one, please contact the National Office on 1800 80 2000.
Join online
G'day folks, it's nice to be back with a fresh edition of RR: the ARM's monthly newsletter. Just a quick note: if you want to flick ahead to a section or a story without flicking down, please use the links above or click on an underlined section in this introduction. Too easy!
In March, the republic was somewhat overshadowed by the anticipation surrounding the outcome of Australia's biggest ever talk...err...oops... I mean, of the '2020 Summit', the much heralded meeting of Australia's "best and brightest".
Dear Members,
On the organizational front I should report that we have a new Treasurer and Company Secretary. Will Fowles has stood down from this portfolio partly because of work pressures and partly to afford more time to other ARM activities. Will did a lot to set up modern accounting procedures during his tenure.
March 2008
AUSTRALIANS 'FOREIGNERS' IN UK BUT THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND STILL REIGNS OVER US
The British Government has announced that Australians will soon be forced to carry identity cards in Britain - prompting fresh calls for Australia to become a republic. Citizens of European Union member nations such as Latvia, Estonia and Bulgaria will not be required to carry identity cards, but Australians will.
