Statement from the National Director of the ARM on speculation about the appointment of the Governor General

The Prime Minister should immediately rule out a 'captain's call' on the next Governor-General.

Media reports speculating that former Foreign Minister Bishop might be considered for the role and represent the Queen in Canberra reinforce the worst perception that Australia is in decline from a parliamentary democracy to a spoils system.

Things need to change in Parliament House and it starts with the attitudes and behaviours of the most senior people.

Choosing the Governor-General should never again be a personal pick of the Prime Minister.

Australia should draw its leadership from far beyond a handful of any Prime Minister's boardroom buddies, retired lawyers, military leaders - and former political colleagues.

Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Indigenous Australians, and leading contributors to every sector of our society ought to be considered for a role like this - and for the role of head of state of a future Australian republic.

In June, ARM National Chair Peter FitzSimons wrote to then-Prime Minister Turnbull proposing that he give Australians a say over the next Governor-General through a vote of the Parliament or of the people (https://www.republic.org.au/media/2018/6/9/next-governor-general-should-not-be-a-captains-call-republic-movement-call-for-democratic-decision).

We renew that appeal to his successor, Prime Minister Morrison.

You say you are on our side.  So let us have a say.