ARM Bolstered By Election of Australian Luminaries

A reinvigorated National Committee will lead the Australian Republic Movement following recent internal elections - placing it in an even stronger position to put Australia’s independence from the British Monarchy back on the national agenda.

Journalist and best-selling author Peter FitzSimons AM was re-elected with a resounding majority, as were current Executive Members Michelle Wood (Head of Executive Communications, News Corp) and Tully Fletcher (Associate Director, Deloitte).

Emeritus Professor Jenny Hocking, who courageously led the successful High Court challenge to release the Palace Letters and former Australian of the Year (2010) Patrick McGorry AO were also returned, along with experienced campaigner and political adviser Alice Crawford.

The incumbents are joined by newly elected members Julia Banks (businesswoman & former Federal MP), Leanne Smith (former Australian diplomat, current Director of the Whitlam Institute), Meredith Doig (President of the Rationalist Society, AICD Fellow and governance consultant) and writer and campaigner Tarang Chawla.

International development adviser Anna Walker was elected as National Youth Convenor.

The National Committee election saw a record number of candidates standing and a record number of votes cast. It has also led to gender parity among its national leadership with nine of the 18 voting National Committee positions now held by women.

Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Peter FitzSimons said the result demonstrated the ARM’s increasing momentum and strength as it develops a national consensus on the reforms needed for Australia to have its independence from the British Monarchy.

“Our national leadership has been reinvigorated with an outstanding field of candidates elected from across the nation” Mr FitzSimons said.

“This leadership team has made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many Australians in their respective fields, and now they are directing that nation-building talent and energy towards this important campaign for our independence from the British Monarchy.

“As the diversity of perspectives on the new Committee shows, this is a truly Australian cause that's above partisan politics and one all Australians can get behind” Mr FitzSimons said.