Print Articles

"THERE is a saying about putting the cart before the horse, and it is particularly apt when one thinks about Julia Gillard's recent remarks about an Australian republic, writes Greg Barns in the Sydney Morning Herald. Read the full story here.

A number of Queen's birthday honours recipients have come out in support of an Australian republic after being presented with their award, including 2010 Australian of the Year Patrick McGorry. Prof McGorry said the present and future of Australia was not linked to the British Empire, but "an independent country that is mature enough to have its own head of state". "What I don't understand is why politicians always say: `Well yes, it's an important issue but we're not ready for it yet, there are other important issues'," he told AAP.

The $130-a-head, sold-out event was attended by more than 200 people, including the Hawke government education minister Susan Ryan, the federal Labor MP Bob Debus, and the former president of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Meredith Bergmann.   Read the full story here.

In a blow to those monarchists who have tried to claim the Governor General is Australia's head of state, the Queen has reasserted her claim on the title "head of state" of Australia by using it in the announcement of her address to the UN in July.   Read the full story here.

Noel Pearson reflects much of what is in the ARM policy. As he says: "I hope for the day when an Australian Republic affirms that our country is built upon two foundation stones: the indigenous heritage, and the British heritage. An Australian Republic affirming our British heritage and the great migration success story that followed, would recognise that which was long denied: this continent was possessed of an ancient civilisation and still is."  

Currently, only Victorians have the Melbourne Cup Day holiday. The Australian Republican Movement's David Donovan said he would back the change if it had enough support. "We don't think the Queen's birthday is an appropriate holiday," he said. "We really think it should be removed and given the Melbourne Cup Day is probably a festival for Australia and touches the heart of many Australians then it is probably a move we would support."  

David Marr writes in the Sydney Morning Herald: "Since the defeat of the referendum 10 years ago next week, republicans have been living in a state of postponement. The political establishment has never been more republican, yet never more wedded to delay."   Read the full story here.

Whereas government services such as schools and police in the US and Britain are often accountable to local communities through direct or municipal elections, in Australia the crown dispatched its officers from the centre to administer a people who could not be trusted. Here a shift to a republic becomes important as a means of enhancing democratic accountability and citizenship.

A recent poll by UMR research of 1,000 Australians has found that 51% of Australian's support a republic, compared to 30% against. 53% support a referendum in the next term of parliament.