29 April 1999

The Commonwealth Attorney-General, The Honourable Daryl Williams, AM QC MP, today made an impressive and important speech on the republic referendum to the Local Constitutional Conventions Forum in Canberra. In the speech, Mr Williams sought to reinforce the strengths of the Convention republican model, and said it will be "a safe, workable proposal for a republic that, if it is successful at the referendum, continues our tradition of stable, parliamentary democracy." He also dismissed some of the more ridiculous scare-campaigns targeted against this change, such that is will affect the balance of power between the Commonwealth and the States, or will change the flag, or will authorise the construction of a presidential palace. Read his speech in full!

20 April 1999

The Government has appointed an expert panel to oversee a national public education programme, scheduled for September 1999, on the republic referendum. The programme will involve the distribution of materials explaining the proposed republic model, the existing constitutional arrangements, the role of State constitutions and the referendum process. It will precede the YES and No advertising campaigns and the distribution of the official YES and No cases.

The panel members are eminent Australians, with experience in the public presentation of civics issues as well as constitutional expertise. The panel will be chaired by Sir Ninian Stephen. Other members are Professor Geoffrey Blainey, Dr Colin Howard QC, Professor Cheryl Saunders and Dr John Hirst.

12 April 1999

Malcolm Turnbull, Chair of the Government's YES Committee for the republic referendum, today announced the establishment of a small campaign committee to plan the Yes Campaign as well as the appointment of a National Campaign Director. The committee will consist of Mr Turnbull (Chairman), Mr Peter Barron (Deputy Chairman), Mr Andrew Robb and Ms Karin Sowada. Mr Turnbull said the Yes Committee had also approved the appointment of Mr Greg Barns as National Campaign Director responsible to the Campaign Committee. Read the YES Committee's Media Release.