Statement on Commonwealth Games

"As Co-Chairs of the Australian Republic Movement, and former professional and Olympic athletes, we have been asked to comment on news that the Commonwealth Games will not be held in Victoria.

Naturally we are saddened for fellow sportspeople excited about competing in the Games and those sports preparing and budgeting for this eventuality while recognising that in a rising cost of living crisis, there are many who need support.

As proud Australians fighting for our independence, however, it is particularly interesting that such a decision can be made, which was once unthinkable.

Australia's demography, identity and place in the world has fundamentally changed since the Commonwealth Games was invented as the British Empire Games in 1930 and while many are aggrieved at the loss of an opportunity to play and watch sport, few are concerned at the impact on the relationship with our existing Head of State.

More Australians every day are wanting to take the next step to full independence and the inheritance of our own country.

Importantly, we often get asked whether the fast rising support for Australian Constitutional independence means withdrawal from the Commonwealth and, of course, it does not.

Withdrawal from hosting is not a withdrawal from the Commonwealth, or even participation in this, or future events.

That is a separate matter for the Australian people.

Most important, is placing Australia entirely in the hands of Australians and with our own representative to the world."

Nova Peris and Craig Foster

Co-Chairs

Australian Republic Movement