ARM Media Statement - 13 October 1999

Our international sports greats Vote Yes for Australia on November 6

The Yes campaign pulled off the Australian Football recruiting coup of the decade today when all-Australian Dermott Brereton, Captain Nathan Buckley and Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford signed up to the cause.

The three leading figures in Australian Football were in Adelaide for the International Rules Test against Ireland on Friday.

They encouraged their fellow Australians to Vote Yes for an Australian Head of State because of the symbolism and leadership this would show the nation.

Overwhelmingly, people who have represented Australia internationally in sport business or culture are in favour of Australia standing on its own two feet. They know the importance of symbols.

Dermott Brereton said the proudest moment an Australian sportsman or sportswoman can have is when they wear the Australian colours and the national emblem.

The three players said one of the most memorable moments they have had in their careers was when the national anthem was played before 65,000 fans at the MCG last week. They said they are looking forward to that inspirational moment again at Football Park in Adelaide.

The three Australian Football greats said they hope Australians will also feel similar inspiration and a feeling of national pride when they cast their Yes vote on November 6.

Brereton joins Australian Football's Michael Long, athletes Cathy Freeman and Nova Peres-Kneebone, Olympic swimming great Dawn Fraser, tennis legend John Newcombe and Wallabies international rugby captain John Eales, as well as cricketers Steve Waugh and Shane Warne in pledging their support for a Yes vote.

These leading sportspeople join other Australians, who have made considerable contributions to their own fields of endeavor who are also supporting a Yes vote.

These include former Governor General Sir Zelman Cowen, former High Court Justices Sir Anthony Mason and Sir Gerard Brennan and Oscar nominees Cate Blanchette, Geoffrey Rush and Baz Luhrmann who last week also said they supported a Yes vote in the November 6 republic referendum.

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