A Letter to Charles: Join Australia In Celebration Of A Republic And Australia's Moves Towards Full Independence
Co-Chairs of the Australian Republic Movement Nova Peris and Craig Foster have written to King Charles III inviting him to join Australians, as an equal, in its journey towards full independence as a republic.
They caution though that the relationship must be built on truth, an acknowledgement of past wrongs and an apology, in order that all contributors to Australian history are equally committed to truth and justice.
In response to media reports that Charles is unsure about the welcome he may receive in Australia, the Co-Chairs have also sought to assure Charles that he is very welcome to visit Australia – at his expense – and that his presence would open the opportunity to discuss the Crown’s role in Australia’s history.
Co-Chair Nova Peris OAM OLY said a formal apology and acknowledgment from the monarchy was well overdue and was the next step on Australia's journey to full independence.
“It is not enough to express sorrow about the suffering that has occurred. It is time for the Crown to accept responsibility for its role in the dispossession and massacre of First Nations people across the former British Empire and the ongoing suffering this is continuing to cause today, and apologise accordingly,” said Ms Peris.
“The Crown has directly profited from the misery of First Nations people. It’s time to return what was taken and address these historical atrocities with tangible steps towards reparation.”
Co-Chair Craig Foster AM said this was an opportunity for Charles to participate in what will be an extraordinarily inspiring, nation-building moment by ensuring that his family and institution acknowledge the complex legacies of the Crown both in Australia and the broader Commonwealth.
“We are genuine in our invitation to King Charles to join all Australians in the final step in our full independence, which Charles acknowledged last year at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting can be carried out 'calmly and without rancour'. We agree wholeheartedly," said Mr Foster.
“The Australian republic is not a rejection of our history or British traditions but a full acceptance of them and, as Australia is saying sorry to First Nations and renewing our commitments to each other, so too must the Crown accept the wrongs of its past. The time is long past to expect subservience or pledges of allegiance from Australians, it’s time we worked together, as equals, to take this natural next step in the evolution of our nation” said Mr Foster.