AusRepublic Updates
A Note from our new Co-Chairs, Esther Anatolitis and Nathan Hansford
Great to meet you! We’re writing to you from Boon Wurrung, Bunurong and Woi Wurrung Wurundjeri Country (Esther 👋) and Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country (Nathan 👋), and we’re delighted to have been elected Co-Chairs of our Australian Republic Movement.
As fellow Members, we’re already agreed that our democracy headed by a distant king makes no sense in contemporary Australia. We’re already agreed that a true democracy must be democratic through and through. We’re already agreed that our head of state must be democratically selected , accountable to us, and serving Australia’s interests.
Our challenge is to bring Australians with us.
There’s so much for everyone to be thinking about and worrying about right now – the cost of living has never been so high! For a lot of us, just getting on with the day-to-day is what occupies our minds the most.
That’s what makes it all the more important that the ARM exists – and can grow from strength to strength, with thanks to your commitment. With the overwhelming majority of Australians agreeing that the British monarchy is no longer relevant for Australian democracy, it’s great to know that there’s a passionate group of people dedicated to making an Australian republic a reality.
As Co-Chairs, we’re working closely on what it takes to make that happen.
We’re sharpening our strategic tools, marshalling our strengths and looking to the future.
Most importantly, we’re getting to know you.
Victorians already know Esther – she’s on the VIC Branch Council – and Canberrans already know Nathan – he’s on the ACT Branch Council. Hopefully you already know your Branch Convenors at state and territory level? Here are all their names and contact details, just in case.
We’ll be holding an online national Members’ Q&A for us on Monday 22 July at 6.30pm so we can say hi and answer any questions you may have. Join us, if you can? We’ll be sure to hold more of these across the year, so that we’re keeping our conversations going.
Meantime, the king’s coming to visit! So let’s get ready to greet him – with our clearest statement of what royalty truly means to us.
A monarchy? In today’s Australia? It just doesn’t make sense.
Right now we’re putting our finishing touches on some campaign work so that, when the royal visit happens, we can all get ready to leap into action.
Your energy and your dedication mean everything to the ARM – thank you. We’re thrilled to be joining you as Co-Chairs. Together, let’s grow our movement so that we’re ready to seize our moment. See you soon!
Esther and Nathan
Meet the co-chairs and youth convenor
We’re inviting members of the Australian Republic Movement to meet newly elected Co-Chairs Esther Anatolitis and Nathan Hansford, as well as Youth Convenor Yasmin Poole.
This is your opportunity to ask about the direction of the Movement, plans for the visit of King Charles and more.
This session will be held on Zoom on Monday 22 July at 6.30pm AEST.
Learn more about our leadership team here.
Let them eat cake!
The Women's Network is excited to invite all women - members and supporters, friends and relatives - to a ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ event. This will be an informal gathering to share ideas for action, vision and interest in having an Australian as Australia’s Head of State over a cuppa.
Fellas, please encourage the women in your life to attend.
Details of each ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ gathering is available below by clicking on the link.
🧁 South Australia - Saturday 27 July
🧁 Victoria - Save the date for Saturday 27 July
🧁 Tasmania - Save the date for Saturday 10 August
Please note you must RSVP to attend one of these events.
We’ll release details for Let Them Eat Cake! events in the other states and territories soon. For any queries, contact womensnetwork@republic.org.au.
News from your region
👋 ACT Campaign Update and Trivia Night
In the ACT over the next few years we plan to adjust our program of events and engagement to focus on raising awareness and education to progress a groundswell of support based on enhancing knowledge of our system of government and civics cognizance. All of this aligns to the national strategy as set by the National Committee.
We speak often about the issues of civics knowledge and general understanding of our form of government, that is manifested in the classic response we often hear to the question, 'Who is our Head of State? I don’t know’.
The adjustment in engagement planned is away from direct engagement towards education, that might provide a template for other states and territories. The ACT team will share our learnings, positive and negative as we enact this campaign. We will continue to focus on some of the big events in Canberra like the National Multicultural Festival but also look to branch out to the regions around Canberra into regional NSW, as it is the regions where we really need the education to happen. We encourage other states and territories, to also look at a regional approach.
Our next event in Canberra will be a Women’s Network Event at the ‘Let Them Eat Cake!’ gathering.
We’re also inviting you to join us for a fun-filled trivia night on Saturday 10 August.
We're asking all our members and supporters to take part, as well as their family and friends, for the quiz and an evening of great company.
We'll see you there from 6pm with trivia commencing at 7pm. The night will wrap up at 9pm.
The quiz will be held in the Cotter Room at the Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson Street, Weston.
Drinks and dinner will be available for purchase from the Irish Club bar and restaurant throughout the evening.
There will be some great prizes and raffles on offer. If you have anything to donate, please let us know by getting in touch at act@republic.org.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
Pricing:
$25 - General Admission
$20 - Students / Under 18
$160 - Table of eight people
👋 SA Supporters: Catch up with Co-Chair Esther
Newly-elected National Co-Chair Esther Anatolitis and the SA Branch Council will be enjoying an informal catch-up - and we’d love to see you there!
All members and supporters are encouraged to join us, meet others and share your stories about - and ideas for - the future of the Australian Republic Movement.
When: Saturday 20 July from 3pm to 5pm
Where: The Republic Bar, 120 Magill Road, Norwood
For any queries, please send an email to SA Branch Convenor Raphael Murphy at sa@republic.org.au.
👋 Save the Date: Dinner with the Tasmanian Branch
The Tasmanian Branch Council is hosting a fundraiser dinner at Chillies Restaurant on Monday 2 September.
We’ll be in touch soon with more information.
👋 Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Launch
We are excited to announce the launch of the Australian Republic Movement sub-branch in the Sunshine Coast region.
This event will provide an opportunity for our Sunshine Coast members to catch up and discuss our movement's progress in Queensland and our future activities in the area.
Special thanks to Sandra Philpott for her exceptional efforts in organising this sub-branch.
Event Details:
Sunshine Coast Sub-Branch Launch
Location: The Boardroom at The Concept, 14 Newspaper Place, Maroochydore
Time: 11.30am onwards
Date: 20th July 2024
Please ensure you let us know you are coming by emailing Queensland Convenor Isaac McSwan at qld@republic.org.au.
👋 You’re invited!
Join the Australian Republic Movement Queensland Branch for a general catch-up in Brisbane to review our current status and explore new focus areas for the movement.
Event Details:
Brisbane Catch-Up
Location: Newstead Brewing Co, 67 Castlemaine Street, Milton
Time: 6.30pm onwards
Date: 23rd July 2024
Please let us know if you’re able to attend by emailing Queensland Convenor Isaac McSwan at qld@republic.org.au.
news from NSW
Committee Vacancy
There is currently one vacant position on the NSW committee. If you are passionate about contributing to our cause and would like to join the committee, we encourage you to contact us at nsw@republic.org.au
Meet and Greet Events
We are pleased to announce that the NSW Branch will be organizing meet and greet events later this year. These events will provide an excellent opportunity for NSW members to gather, meet the new chairs, and discuss our shared vision of a republic. Keep an eye out for further details which will be shared shortly.
Regional Sub-Committees
Following the successful establishment of the Newcastle sub-committee, we are eager to expand our presence across NSW by setting up more regional sub-committees. To support this initiative, we have produced a Sub-Committee Guide with comprehensive information to help new groups get started and thrive. If you are interested in starting a sub-committee in your area, please reach out to us at nsw@republic.org.au.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we can continue to build momentum towards a republic.
Warm regards,
The NSW Branch
Media updates
✅ Do we bow or Curtsy? British King’s representative to be sworn in as Australian Governor-General
The Australian Republic Movement has acknowledged the swearing in of King Charles’ representative to Australia the new Governor-General Samantha Mostyn.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “As Aussies head to work today for a salary which barely pays their rent or mortgage, heats their homes and puts food on their tables, the new Governor-General with her $209,000 pay rise will be sworn into office.
“It’s worth remembering when you watch the footage from Parliament House today that the Australian Governor-General is not a representative of the Aussie people, but rather she is the representative of the British King, King Charles the Third, by the Grace of God King of Australia and His other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.
✅ Cost of Living Crisis: Not for the King’s Representative
The Australian Republic Movement has questioned the excessive pay increase for the King’s next representative – the incoming Governor-General.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Aussies are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis. They’ll look at the Government’s announcement of a 42% pay rise for the next Governor-General and question what they are getting for that investment.
“It’s not a representative of the people, because the Governor-General represents the King, not Aussies. It’s certainly not an advocate or champion of democracy and Australia, because that’s not their current job description. It’s not someone who can encourage trade and investment in our nation or showcase Aussie talent on the world stage, because until we become a republic, that’s not the role of our Head of State or his representative.
