The Republic Youth Charter

Led across two years by the 2024-2026 National Youth Convenor of the Australian Republic Movement, young Australians have released the first ever Youth Charter for a Republic, calling on governments to commit to an Australian Head of State and hold a referendum within ten years. The Charter will be presented to politicians across the country.

The Charter was written by young people in the Republic Youth Series, a forum where young people learn the skills to achieve an Australian republic which culminated in producing the Charter.

The Youth Charter for a Republic

Dated: 28 September 2026

In the 125th year of our Federal Commonwealth, we, the Youth Members of the Australian Republic Movement, declare our resolve to realise a nation where any Australian can aspire to become the Head of State.

We deeply respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ sovereignty and ongoing connection to Country. We are proud of the diversity of Australians and demand a system of government that reflects those it serves.

We are ambitious for Australia’s egalitarian spirit to inhabit its highest office. We believe that our nation’s Head of State must be a citizen of Australia to best serve Australian interests, particularly the interests of young Australians, long into the future.

We are determined to realise Australia’s complete sovereignty and act as a confident nation within our regional and global community. A republic is necessary to this vision.

United by our unyielding commitment and loyalty to our nation, we are resolved to build a collective, democratic future shaped by, and for, the Australian people.

Our demands are as follows:

1. Expand civic education across ages about Australia’s political system and its relationship with the Crown to facilitate constructive debate about becoming a republic.

2. Establish a Minister for a Republic.

3. Commit to realising an Australian Head of State as our nation's highest representative.

4. Run a Constitutional Convention within three years, representative of all Australians and including community consultations, to draft the model and codify reserve powers.

5. Remove the Crown from our currency and institutions, including oaths of office and official government terms.

6. Hold a binding referendum on a republic within ten years.

In history’s page, let every stage advance Australia fair.

If you have any questions, contact the Youth Convenor at youth@republic.org.au.

Read the media release about the Youth Charter for a Republic.