Campaign For An Australian Republic Stronger Than Ever

In a year where Australians stood together, backed ourselves and led the world in management of the pandemic, it’s of little surprise that more Australians than ever feel it’s time for us to forge ahead as an independent nation with an Australian Head of State. The campaign for an Australian republic has reached new heights, entering 2021 stronger than ever before.

In January, the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) adopted a new strategic approach to build public consensus about the reforms that should be taken to a referendum. In 2020, this involved extensive public consultation, public opinion research and consultation with academics and parliamentarians about the way forward. Further analysis will be undertaken next year with the ARM on track to announce its position on the key features of a model by the end of 2021.

In support of this, the ARM hired two new staff in March – a Digital Officer and a Membership Officer. The ARM is now reaching hundreds of thousands of Australians online each month, and membership surged 19% over the calendar year.

This momentum is also being felt in the Australian community. In July, a YouGov Poll found 62% of Australians would vote for a republic. Jenny Hocking’s successful High Court challenge to release the ‘Palace Letters’, surging membership numbers and interest in the campaign led to a record number of nominations and votes cast in ARM elections, electing a new National Committee with a 50/50 gender balance without the need for quotas.

ARM Chair Peter FitzSimons AM said the results showed there was renewed interest in the campaign for a republic, and that 2020 had been a pivotal year to listen to the public and build momentum.

“Everything we’ve seen from 2020 says that as Australia returns to normal, there will be more appetite than ever before for an Australian republic, we’re calling on all Australians who believe in Australia to join us as we build this positive campaign for our nation’s future” Mr FitzSimons said.