The Australian Republic Movement’s National Committee is delighted to announce the appointment of our new Chief Executive Officer and National Director.
Lifelong republican and strategist Isaac Jeffrey will be leading the organisation through its next exciting phase – advocating for an Australian republic and a Head of State chosen by Australians.
Co-Chair Nova Peris OAM said: “Australia’s Head of State should live here. They should be a proud Australian and someone we are proud to have representing us on the international stage. They should step up to unify our nation in times of celebration or crisis. They should play a role in shaping and leading our united nation for all Australians. As much as they might try, these are roles the King or Queen of the United Kingdom could never truly do.
“The ARM’s new CEO and National Director will play a major part in helping shape the conversation with the Australian people. This appointment will help deliver a transformative vision of a republic for all Australians.”
Incoming CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Australia has the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our history, both pre and post European settlement, while embracing a shared vision of what our future can be. It’s time for our nation to have a conversation about that future and how we move forward into our next chapter.
“Most Australians want a Head of State who is chosen by us, to work in our best interests, and who is accountable to us. We believe in merit and democracy, not inherited aristocracy. We’ve all got ideas on how we should choose our Head of State and what role they should play, but what the majority can agree on is that we want the right to choose.
“With the ARM National Committee, I will be ramping up our engagement with all Australians and our elected representatives, so we can create the change that Australians want and are proud to support. We will be listening and genuinely consulting to find the right approach. It’s not something we should do just for the sake of it, nor rushed to simply make it happen, we will take our time and get it right.
“I look forward to taking this shared vision for a stronger and more united Australia, and making it a reality in partnership with the Australian people.”
Co-Chair Craig Foster AM said Mr Jeffrey had a strong background in both the political arena and in the private sector, with his most recent role being CEO at the National Irrigators’ Council.
“I welcome Isaac’s appointment to the role and look forward to working with him to engage with Aussies,” Mr Foster said. “Together, we want to find out what people are looking for in an Australian Head of State, how they should be elected and what role they should play in leading our country – and I’m excited to get started with this important conversation.
“On behalf of the Directors and members of the Australian Republic Movement, I’d also like to extend our gratitude to former CEO and National Director Sandy Biar for his long-standing and important contribution to the organisation and wish him well into the future.”
Background:
Isaac Jeffrey was appointed as CEO and National Director of the Australia Republic Movement 14 August 2023. Previously Isaac was CEO of the National Irrigators’ Council. Isaac has a background in government, small business, and public and government relations.
He spent a decade in government holding roles which included Chief of Staff and Principal Private Secretary to various Federal Ministers, including the Deputy Prime Minister, and as a public servant with the Department of Defence.
Isaac has a Master of Politics and Policy and a Bachelor of Business (Honours). He is a country boy at heart, having grown up in regional NSW. He is a lifelong supporter of an Australian republic, and a passionate advocate for democracy and human rights.
