Education is essential

LETTERS RECEIVED BY REPUBLICAN ROUNDUP

The recent comments by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (all be they a little lukewarm) have dramatically revived interest in the Republican issue. As part of that revival a recent "online poll" asked the usual question "Should Australia become a Republic?" The results of 57% for and 43% against were consistent with countless similar polls that I have seen.

Encouraging? Yes, but decisive? No. However it was the comments of some of those who took part in the survey that I found interesting. Oddly enough, given the result, most comments were from "no" voters, of which, very few gave any indication of having any real knowledge of the subject. By far the most common objection to the Republic was the perceived cost. The figures quoted ranged from $100 million to $5 billion for Australia to become a Republic. Wildly exaggerated? Certainly, but they believe it. More importantly, some said that they would have voted "yes" if not for the cost. These are the people whose whole world revolves around their jobs, their family, their homes and their immediate community. They have little interest in or knowledge of anything outside of that. They are also the people who will ask, "Why should I vote for a Republic? What's in it for me? Will my taxes go down? Will my standard of living go up?" and if they do not get an acceptable answer they will immediately fall into the "don't know, vote no" basket.

I believe that it is this lack of information to the masses that gives rise to misunderstanding, indifference, apathy and a belief that a "yes" vote would only benefit politicians, academics and the super rich, and may even be harmful to "ordinary people". I am also convinced that this is the reason why so many worthwhile referendums in the past have failed. Clearly there is an urgent need to make these people understand that although becoming a Republic will not suddenly bring beer and petrol prices back to 1960's levels it will make Australia a greater, stronger, more independent nation and that will ultimately benefit ALL its citizens. The challenge for the ARM then is to reach out to these people, to educate them and to get them involved in our cause.

With their support our chances of victory are greatly enhanced. Without it we may well spend the next decade licking our wounds and preparing for the next attempt.

Jim Stack

ARM member