Parliamentary Friendship Group For An Australian Head Of State Launches At Parliament House

Today the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) welcomed the launch of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for an Australian Head of State, with supporters from across the political spectrum coming together to declare their support. 

The Group is being co-chaired by Independent MP, Helen Haines, Labor Senator Fatima Payman and Liberal MP Russell Broadbent. ARM consultation with MPs has found that at least 64% of Federal parliamentarians support Australia becoming a republic, with less than 10% opposed.

Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Nova Peris OAM, said that the Group will play an important role in advocating for an Australian republic in Parliament and in their electorates.

“We’re pleased that so many members of parliament have come together to support this important constitutional change. As we see today, this really is a cause that Australians from all different walks of life and political views can support” said Ms Peris. 

“This year as we reflect on how First Nations Australians can be best represented and recognised, it’s important we also reflect on the need for all Australians to be represented by an Australian, rather than a distant monarchy that speaks to our past, not our future.”

Co-Chair Craig Foster AM added that the Movement respected the need to be sensitive to First Nations concerns at this time and that being a republic was another part of our journey as a nation that needed to be progressed. 

“Becoming a republic is a crucial step towards Australia embracing a future that recognises our long history, before and after colonisation, and creates a shared future that we can all embrace together” Mr Foster said. 

“We don’t need or want a King to reign over us. We need a shared sovereignty that is in the hands of Australians and a contemporary identity built on 65,000 years of cultural richness, democratic traditions and multicultural demography. A nation where all are equal.”