ARM Media Statement - 16 December 1998

Republicans welcome public nomination proposal for an Australian Head of State

The Australian Republican Movement today welcomed the proposal by six eminent constitutional experts, including former High Court Chief Justice Sir Anthony Mason, which provides a model for Australians to nominate fellow citizens for Head of State.

The proposal, contained in a letter to Federal Attorney General Darryl Williams, fleshes out the public nomination model endorsed in February this year by the Constitutional Convention.

The chair of the Australian Republican Movement chair, Malcolm Turnbull, said the proposal strengthens the strong commitment of the Convention to public nomination.

"The Convention strongly endorsed public nomination, and this proposal today provides valuable detail as to how this would happen," Mr Turnbull said.

"This is exactly the type of constructive contribution which will assist the Australian people make an informed decision when they are asked whether they want an Australian Head of State next year.

"It indicates renewed interest in the matter and more importantly it suggests that those whom favour popular participation in the process are starting to work within the framework of the Constitutional Convention model."

Mr Turnbull said that the proposal indicates that the Constitutional Convention model will meet the needs and expectations of the Australian people.

He also welcomed comments by the Federal Attorney General, who welcomes the proposal from the constitutional experts as part of public debate on this issue.

Mr Turnbull also noted the Attorney General's commitment to be guided by the results of the Convention when drafting the model to be put to the Australian people at next year's referendum.

Authorised by Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Republican Movement, 60 Park Street, Sydney NSW 2000