Strengthening our Democracy: Starting the Conversation on an Australian Republic
The Australian Republic Movement held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 25 November 2023 where members endorsed the organisation’s new Strategic Plan focused on strengthening our democracy by becoming an Australian republic.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “As Australians struggle with high mortgage repayments and the increasing cost of living, our Constitution enshrines the power, privilege and prestige of a foreign based King as our Head of State. A King yet to visit our nation or region, who outsources his job to the Governor-General and who we no longer need as our Head of State.
“Monarchy is about protecting the wealth of one family and preserving their place above Australian families. A king inherits power as a gift of birth. We’d rather that gift be given through election and democratic processes, and codified by the Constitution. We’d rather see an Australian son or daughter elected as our Head of State, than the role be inherited by the son or daughter of an English aristocrat predominately focused on the fortunes of their own country.
“A republic is the chance to give the power to the people, so Australians can choose who represents them and how they are governed. It’s about electing someone who has our best interests at heart, can work full-time and be fully-committed to Australia, while being held to account for their performance.
“Our new Strategic Plan sets our vision for an Australian to serve the people as our Head of State. It outlines the values we hope to see in an Australian republic, the same we will live by as an organisation. They include Unity and Belonging, Equality and Aspiration, Democracy and Choice, Non-partisanship and Collaboration, Integrity and Leadership.
“In 2024, we will be reaching out to start the conversation with the Australian people about a future Australian republic. We will be hosting forums throughout the country and online, so all Australians can participate and have their say to create the People’s Model for an Australian republic. Democracy is about the people and we want to help put the power back in the people’s hands. We will announce dates in coming months, but until then Australians can check out republic.org.au to find out more about a republic and the ARM’s role in helping facilitate this national conversation.
“An Australian Head of State is our chance to bring the different strands of our history together in a shared vision for an Australia which truly represents who we are today. It’s an announcement to the world that we’re a proud, independent nation charting our own course. We are a unique and successful multicultural country. We need someone who understands that to embody us, safeguard our Constitution, be a unifying symbol at home and represent us proudly abroad. It’s your community, future and Head of State – so it should be your choice!”
You find the new strategic plan here.