Republican Round Up May 09
Welcome - Message from the Chair
Dear Members,
Your National Committee met by teleconference on 4 May 09.
Two of the issues discussed were the Government statement in response to the 2020 Summit held 12 months ago, and the Senate Committee Inquiry into Senator Brown’s bill for a plebiscite on the republic issue.
On the first, it is fair to say that we were disappointed at what was essentially a ‘non-statement’ as far as the republic goes. That has to be seen in the context of the current understandable government pre-occupation with the global financial crisis and the need to create jobs.
It is more difficult to understand why some government spokesmen seem to be consigning any discussion of the republic to a timeframe beyond the death or abdication of the current British monarch. Linking the timing of the discussion of our national future to events, over which we have no control, in a foreign country, seems to be both philosophically and practically a poor option. In regard to the Senate Inquiry, John Warhurst and I represented the ARM view as witnesses before the Committee. Our opening statement appears elsewhere in this edition of Republican Roundup. We received a fair hearing. It was interesting to note that much of the evidence given to the Committee by opponents of the republic seemed to revolve around their dissatisfaction with the plebiscite as a democratic mechanism – some went as far as to imply that the 1934 plebiscite held in Germany that supported the rise of Hitler would be repeated in 2010 in Australia! The Committee is due to report back to the Senate in June.
You will have received in the (snail ) mail a note about renewing your membership and updating your contact details if applicable. We would really appreciate your early action on these matters. It will greatly facilitate current planning for the 2009/2010 financial year.
On 30/31 May the fifth gathering of the various groups supporting the republican cause (RG5 ) will be held in Melbourne. Terry Fewtrell, Lyn Petrie, Peter van Vliet, Grant Parker and I will represent the ARM and we expect some Victorian ARM members will also attend. This meeting is really aimed at information sharing in an attempt to minimise the differences of opinion in the various republican camps - which was one of the causes of our failure at the 1999 referendum. More of this in the next Republican Roundup.
Best wishes,
Mike Keating
National Chair
12 May 09
National Committee
Senate Committee Inquiry
Australian Republican Movement Submission to
the Inquiry into the Plebiscite for an AustralianRepublic Bill
1. The Australian Republican Movement (ARM) welcomes both the opportunity to comment on the Australian
Republic Bill 2008 and the inquiry into the Bill by the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee.
2. The ARM has been advocating for an AustralianRepublic since its inception in 1991. We are a nationally based organisation with a large membership committed to the cause of an AustralianRepublic with an Australian Head of State.
3. An Australian Republic is about Australia’s future. It’s about our shared identity and place in the world. It will have a Constitution that reflects the sovereignty of the Australian people so that any Australian citizen can aspire to the highest office in the land.
4. Nearly one decade after the 1999 referendum, support for an AustralianRepublic remains higher than support for our current arrangements (see Nielsen Poll, September 2008). A recent opinion poll by Essential Research also shows 52% support for Australians being given a vote on the republic within the next few years with only 24% opposing (Essential Research–Sydney: February 2009). It is now appropriate that the nation reconsiders this important national issue.
5. Last year, the Australian Government’s 2008 2020 Summit supported an AustralianRepublic as one of its big ideas. Current Labor Party policy also supports a republic, to be achieved through two indicative plebiscites followed by a referendum. The 2004 Senate Report, The Road to a Republic, also supported this approach. Clearly there is broad and significant support for a republic in the Australia community and parliament.
6. The ARM believes that the democratic will and sovereignty of the Australian people must be paramount in achieving a republic. Therefore we support the nation holding an indicative non-binding plebiscite on whether Australians support a republic with an Australian head of state as outlined in the Bill.
7. A staged plebiscite and referendum process allows for the Australian people to have a full conversation about the type of republic they want. It avoids the pitfalls of the 1999 republican referendum where many of the Australian people felt their voices weren’t heard.
8. An initial indicative plebiscite is a necessary first step in determining the overall level of support for an AustralianRepublic among the Australian community. It also allows for a process which ensures Australians have the maximum possible level of choice, involvement and sovereignty in determining our republic.
9. The ARM advocates a three step process towards achieving a republic as detailed below. The proposed Bill accords with the first step of our policy.
a. A non-binding plebiscite on the threshold question of do you want Australia to become a republic with an Australian Head of State?
b. Following the full development of potential models by an expert drafting committee for public comment, a second non-binding plebiscite on which republican model should be put to a referendum.
c. A referendum on an AustralianRepublic according to the model preferred by the Australian people voting at the second plebiscite.
10. There is a pressing need for greater community education and information around our constitutional arrangements, as recognised in the Australian Senate Report, Road to a Republic, of 2004. An initial plebiscite needs to be combined with the full level of public consultation and education necessary to ensure that Australians are fully informed and involved in this important decision about our nation’s future.
11. There should be consideration of whether any further legislative or policy initiatives are needed in conjunction with this legislation to support these education and information objectives.
12. Section 5 of the Bill frames the plebiscite question as “Do you support Australia becoming a republic?”. To make the question clearer it may be better worded as: “Do you support Australian becoming a republic with an Australian Head of State?”. This makes it clear to the Australian public what the key change will be if Australia becomes a republic: an unambiguously Australian head of state and full Australian sovereignty.
13. The ARM supports the plebiscite being held in conjunction with the next House of Representatives election. This is an appropriate time to reconsider this issue given it should be around one decade after the 1999 referendum. Opinion polling still shows more Australians support a republic than a monarchy (Nielsen Poll, September 2008) and it is now time to give Australians the opportunity to reconsider this important matter. Holding plebiscites with general elections also minimises any costs.
14. If the plebiscite is held at the next election it is imperative that community education, information and consultation strategies begin now so as to ensure the Australian electorate is properly informed around these issues. This is even more urgent considering that the Australian federal electoral cycle is unpredictable and early elections are not uncommon.
15. The ARM would like to stress that multi-partisan and Government support is crucial to achieving a Republic. Therefore we encourage Senator Bob Brown and the Greens to work closely with the Government on this Bill and also to consult widely with Coalition and independent members.
16. In conclusion, the Australian Republican Movement supports the intent of this Bill with consideration of the above suggested amendment. We fully support an initial non-binding plebiscite at the next election on whether Australia should become a republic with an Australian head of state.
17. We encourage all members of the Australian parliament who support a republic to work with Senator Bob Brown to ensure this Bill is successful and receives any amendments that will ensure widespread support by our nation’s representatives and ultimately by the Australian people.
ARM Fighting Fund
Last year the ARM began the tradition of seeking donations each year for a special Fighting Fund. We seek this assistance on the proviso that any funds donated be used ONLY for the purpose listed below. We understand that many members don’t want their donation swallowed up in general administration costs, and we would like to publicly thank donors in RR unless they wish otherwise. The remaining months of 2009 are going to be critical, as far as keeping the republic in the public consciousness, so I encourage you to help with this project if you are able.
This year we ask your support for one-off expenditure associated with our move to a new logo and new green and gold colours. We need new banners for ARM functions and new merchandise, such as lapel badges and advertising stickers. These are essential for our campaigning, but difficult to afford within our limited budget. The total cost just to get stated will be about $5,000.00. Please consider a special donation to assist the republican cause. We need your help. To donate please contact the Executive Officer Michelle Macrae-Morgan
Thank you to our latest donor
· “anonymous”
John Warhurst
Chair Merchandising sub-committee
Short Story Competition
First National Republican Short Story Competition
begins, 1 May 2009 and closes on 31 August 2009.
Details are at republicanfiction.blogspot.com/ including Entry Form, Terms & Conditions, and Judging Panel. Entry fee $11.99
(Cheques or postal order payable to Australian Republican Movement)
2009 is a milestone as it will be 10 years on 6 November 2009 since the republican referendum was lost. To commemorate this event and to remind Australians what they still don't have, the Australian Republican Movement is calling for speculative fiction short stories between 2000 and 4000 words.
These stories should portray an Australian republican future in a positive light, and demonstrate the absurdity of a hereditary monarch as the Australian Head of State in twenty-first century Australian society. Stories must be original and unpublished.
1st prize: $611.99
Send entries to:
Australian Republican Movement
PO Box 87 Geebung QLD 4034
Getting to know your National Committee
JEREMY COX – TASMANIAN CONVENOR
Why I am a republican?
I believe in the basic view of wanting to give our children, rather than the children of the British monarchy, the opportunity of becoming Australia’s next head of state.
And I think most Australians would agree with this simple proposition.
Importantly, to me, an Australian republic is about accountability. There is something utterly compelling about the prospect of having an Australian as head of state. I think this is the ultimate level of accountability we need to embed in our constitution. The buck should stop with us, not with the British monarchy.
To me this is more than just symbolic.
By becoming a republic, we are saying to the rest of the world that whatever happens in Australia, whatever challenges we face or whatever situation we may find ourselves in, we are responsible.
I still wonder why there is not more momentum on this important issue. It just seems such an important and obvious step for us to take.
I think it is partly because we underestimate the enormous sense of goodwill and individual pride and belonging that would emerge when, as a nation, we become completely in charge of our own country, answerable to the decisions we make for Australia and completely responsible for our decisions.
And this is why we should work to bringing on a republic sooner rather than later.
Recent Speeches
"The Price of Survival: The 10th Manning Clark Lecture in 2009 by Robyn Archer" -- March 3 2009(The Manning Clark Lecture is organised annually through Manning Clark House www.manningclark.org.au)
Good evening, and thank you for the privilege of being asked to give the 10th Manning Clark Lecture. I am humbled by the quality and intellect of those who have done this on nine previous occasions and I won’t pretend to emulate their eloquence, or powers of analysis. The best I can do is take you on some of my thinking’s journey from Australia Day 2009 till just a few days ago, and hope that along the way, in the name of Manning Clark, I have heeded some lessons of history and given you a few morsels to chew on. I’d like to say it’s been an extraordinary start to the year, but to tell you the truth, I can’t honestly think of any time when life was less engaging for me. This is just another slice.
Media
Media Releases
AN AUSTRALIANREPUBLIC—“APPROPRIATE REFORM”
The Australian Republican Movement expressed its regret that, in its response to last years 2020 Summit recommendations, the Government has made no firm commitment to the issue with the strongest support at the gathering—an Australian republic.
Media Links
Around the States
Queensland
Republic Upstairs with Andrew Bartlett
The Queensland branch is delighted to announce as the guest speaker for its next Republic Upstairs ex-Senator Andrew Bartlett. The event will be held upstairs in the Flapper Room at the Fox Hotel in South Brisbane from 2:30pm on Sunday June 14.
Mr Bartlett was leader of the Democrats from 2002 to 2004, and deputy leader from 2004-2008. He will be speaking about the reasons behind the electoral decline of the Democrats at the last federal elections and what this means for Australian democracy. The title of his speech will be: "Who's keeping the b@stards honest, now?"
Food and refreshments will be served. Ticket price is $25 prepaid or $30 paid on the day. RSVP is essential as the venue only has a limited capacity.
Please call the Convenor, David Donovan, on 0403 237 880 or email him at qld@republic.org.au to get your tickets now.
Regards,
David Donovan
Qld Convenor
Victoria
Our campaign to change the Victorian parliamentary oath of allegiance to the Queen continues to meet resistance from the Government. We expect a constitutional amendment bill later this year when we will again approach the Government and opposition parties for their support. Swearing allegiance to the people of Victoria rather than to the Queen is an important symbolic change to an outdated parliamentary practice.
Melbourne is hosting the next biennial meeting of the various Australian republican groups over the weekend 30-31 May. ARM members are invited to attend.
The Victorian Branch has been lucky to secure well known republican, raconteur and Royal-watcher Barry Everingham for our annual fund raising dinner on Saturday August 15. Further details soon."
Melbourne is hosting the next biennial meeting of the various Australian republican groups over the weekend 30-31 May. ARM members are invited to attend.
The Victorian Branch has been lucky to secure well known republican, raconteur and Royal-watcher Barry Everingham for our annual fund raising dinner on Saturday August 15. Further details soon."
David McKenna
Victorian Convenor
South Australia
Lecture at Parliament House
May 14 2009
Guest speaker: Professor John Warhurst
Professor John Warhurst kindly agreed to speak to the South Australian members and guests on the Trajectory of the Republican debate, the recent Senate Inquiry and the 2020 Summit response. We met, appropriately, in the Constitution room in old parliament house. John spoke insightfully about where we have come from, where we currently are, and what the future hopefully holds for the republican debate.
It was pleasing to note that we had political representatives from the ALP, Liberal party, and the Democrats, also guests who spanned the silent generation, baby boomers, Gen X and Gen Y. It was nice to have a microcosm of those we need to sell the message to about moving to a republic.
Congratulations to those who received 10 year service awards which were presented by John Warhurst.
Mary Gallnor
Steve Kelton
Rosemary Crowley
Martin Turner
Maurice Treacy
Thank you to our host Hon Stephen Wade MLC and his adviser Nick Westenberg.
Lyn Petrie
SA Convenor
Why I am a Republican
10 year Service award recipient
STEVE KELTON
“I believe strongly and passionately that Australia should be a Republic as that status befits our aspirations as a free, mature and proud country.
We need our own Head of State and a flag of our own – maybe just the Southern Cross. Australia needs to sit at the international table unencumbered by its colonial past”.
Why I am a Republican
10 year Service Award recipient
MARY GALLNOR
To be or not to be a republican was never part of my thinking. Like being born into a religion, I was born a republican. The adulation and mass hysteria which engulfed England for the Royal Family during my childhood came after five years of a drab, grey life for the British People. So I viewed it in the same way as I did that of Hollywood and film stars. It brought excitement and colour but also obscene overspending. However, when we arrived in Australia in 1968 we found the glimmering of the questioning about the Republic versus Monarchy. So, when the debate started in earnest I never doubted which battle I would fight. When my granddaughter, Rosie, was born nine years ago I knew without doubt that, if she wished it, I wanted her to be Head of State and that is all there is to it.
Australian Capital Territory
9th Annual Dinner and Fundraiser
ACT republicans will gather on Saturday 6 June for their 9th annual dinner and fundraiser. This year’s guests are the cabaret duo John Shortis & Moya Simpson. A great night is anticipated. A fitting way to mark the official Queen’s Birthday weekend in the national capital.
The ACT branch is in the process of establishing a speaker’s forum which will provide a group of members prepared and equipped to go out and speak about the republic at community and other forums. The move is a response to the current situation with the republic campaign which calls for widespread community engagement and pressure to remind our political leaders that the republic issue is an issue that must come before the people again in the near future.
The ACT branch is also working with the ANU Debating Society to sponsor a campus debate on the republic. Recent years have seen a growing interest in the issue on campus and this initiative will bring the issue to a wider group of students and also better equip advocates to promote the cause.
Terry Fewtrell
ACT Convenor
Tasmania
The Tasmanian ARM hosted a special presentation by Professor Peter Boyce on Wednesday 29 April at Parliament House. In front of around 25 to 30 guests, including state and federal parliamentarians.
Professor Boyce gave an engaging and thought provoking presentation on the different paths being taken by Australia, Canada and New Zealand toward a republic. Professor Boyce talked about the value of a two stage move to a republic, involving firstly a plebiscite and then, after consultation on the type of model, a referendum.
Following the presentation, there was an open discussion, with many interesting questions about the technical difficulties involved with moving toward a republic, the challenge of engaging Australians and the general observation that, despite publically supporting a republic, none of the current and recent premiers, or the current prime minister, has followed through.
Jeremy Cox
Tasmanian Convenor
Mark in your Diary
Upcoming Events
Victorian Branch Annual Dinner 15 August
Victorian Branch meetings - third Wednesday each month
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