The Australian Republic Movement has acknowledged Commonwealth Day which is observed across the 56 nations of the Commonwealth on 11 March.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Commonwealth Day has been celebrated since 1958 when the shackles of empire were cast off to acknowledge the growing independence of each nation by moving on from what was until then Empire Day. It moved from Queen Victoria’s birthday in May to the new date in March in 1977.
“Just as there is no longer a British Empire, the nature of the Commonwealth has also progressed. Of the 56 nations in the Commonwealth, 41 have their own local Heads of State. Charles is only Head of State for 15 countries, including Australia. Another six of those 15 are looking to become republics with their own independent Heads of State and there’s nothing to say they can’t or won’t stay in the Commonwealth when they do progress to republics.
“There are many advantages to staying a part of the Commonwealth. We have shared bonds, foundations and history which unite us as well as defence and economic relationships. If Australia was to take that next step in our journey to independence and become a republic, we too can stay in the Commonwealth.
“An Australian republic isn’t about the Commonwealth or the Commonwealth Games, we can still be a part of both. It isn’t about changing our defence or economic alliances, they will continue and our country will look to our Australian Head of State to help strengthen those relationships. It’s not even about Charles or his family, it’s about us, a modern democracy which puts people at its core by giving them the power to elect our Head of State, as opposed to the old ways of empire and power gifted by birth.
“An Australian Head of State would be elected to serve Australia and the Australian people as a first among equals. They’d be someone we’re proud to see representing us at home and abroad, including at celebrations on days like Commonwealth Day. They’d work full-time and be fully committed to Australia and Australians, and not have their loyally split across 15 other nations.
“Like Charles promotes all things Britain, an Aussie Head of State would champion Australia, help us finally become an independent nation and rise to be an equal on the world stage. And they can do all of that, while we stay in the Commonwealth and continue to cheer on our worldclass sporting heroes at the Commonwealth Games.
“This is the moment for our children and grandchildren. This is the moment for our independence and democracy. This is the moment for an Australian Head of State and an Australian republic.”
