CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE VICTORIA'S PARLIAMENTARY OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The Victorian Branch of the ARM has for some time being campaigning for a change to the parliamentary Oath of Allegiance to the Queen.  Presently, Victorian members of parliament are required to swear their allegiance to the Queen, her heirs and successors.  However our efforts have been persistently rejected by the Government.

Our submission to the Victorian parliamentary inquiry "Strengthening Government and Parliamentary Accountability in Victoria" resulted in the following recommendation:-

The Victoian Government introduce legislation to amend the Second Schedule of the Constitution Act 1978 (Vic) to include an additional oath or affirmation of choice and incorporate the following wording:
Oath
I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Australia and the people of Victoria according to law."

However the Government's response has been to retain the Oath to the Queen and merely adding the words "... and to the people of Victoria."

The Oath to the Queen is a throwback to our imperial past when Catholic members of the British parliament were required to swear allegiance to the Protestant Queen. 

The parliamentary oath has already been amended in NSW, WA and the ACT to delete reference to the Queen.

It should be noted that the Victorian Labor Party policy is "Labor supports Australia becoming a republic.  Labor is committed to modernising Victoria's symbols and processes to ensure they relfect Australia's independence."

Express your support for our campaign by contacting your local state MP or the Premier direct.  Call Victorian Convenor, David McKenna for more information on 0421 059 606.