20 February 1999

The Prime Minister announced today the members of the YES and No Committees responsible for running the pre-referendum campaigns. The members of the YES committee are: Malcolm Turnbull (ARM Chairman), Janet Holmes à Court (ARM), Neville Wran (ARM), Steve Vizard (ARM), Lowitja O'Donoghue (former ATSIC Chair), Gareth Evans (former Attorney-General), Senator Natasha Stott-Despoja (Deputy Leader Australian Democrats), Chris Gallus (Liberal MHR), Jason Yat-Sen Li (Constitutional Convention Delegate) and Professor Greg Craven (University of Notre Dame).

17 February 1999

The Prime Minister announced today that there would be two referendum questions in November: one on the republic, and one on a new preamble. The Constitutional Convention Communique will be taken into consideration in drafting the new preamble. The Prime Minister has also indicated that he will advocate a YES vote for the new preamble. Although the media have speculated that the referendum date will be November 6th, no date has been officially announced. The Government also announced last night that $7.5 million will be assigned to the YES and No cases for public campaigning in the month before the referendum. Campaign expenditure will be controlled by two committees, each of which will comprise delegates from the Constitutional Convention who support the respective YES or No case. Note this funding does NOT go to the ARM or ACM. The members of these committees will be appointed by the Government.

7 February 1999

The National Convention of Republicans (NCR) in Canberra was a huge success, developing strategies and discussing issues and ideas on getting the YES vote carried in November. The convention also formally launched the national YES Coalition of republicans. Please visit the National Convention of Republicans web site for more information.

5 February 1999

The latest Newspoll is extremely encouraging for republicans! This poll specifically asked respondents whether they intend to vote YES or No in the November referendum on the republic. The poll showed absolute majority support nationally and in a majority of states. Read the ARM's Media Release.