ARM Media Statement - 26 August 1999

Only one chance for the Republic

A No vote in November will mean an English monarch as Head of State for at least the next 20 years

The November 6 referendum is the last shot in the locker for an Australian republic for at least the next 20 years, the chair of the Australian Republican Movement, Malcolm Turnbull said tonight.

Speaking to Yes supporters at an ARM dinner in Ashfield in Sydney's inner-west tonight, Mr Turnbull said people were seriously misguided if they believed another referendum will be held in a few years if the Yes vote fails.

"This is the last shot at a republic this generation," said Mr Turnbull, "because if for no other reason, it is going to be almost impossible to justify spending another $100 million plus on a referendum in the future if this one fails."

Mr Turnbull said the hope of another referendum is being held out by monarchists and other No campaigners as a way of securing a No vote in November.

"Kerry Jones and Peter Reith - unless they have awesome powers about which none of us know - cannot possibly deliver on guaranteeing the actions of future governments, prime ministers or Senates by promising there will be further referenda, especially when cost is such a big consideration."

Mr Turnbull said that November 6 was the last opportunity this generation for Australia to truly stand on its own two feet by replacing the Queen of England with an Australian, whose first and only allegiance is to Australia, as Head of State.

"We are very confident that Australians will vote Yes to replace the Queen with an Australian in November. If we do cast a vote of confidence in ourselves, we can end the Australian Republican Movement on victorious note.

"But make no mistake, if the monarchists succeed in November, the next chance we will get to revisit this issue will be at least 15 to 20 years, and we can be sure that Australia's next Head of State will be Charles III, King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

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