As most of Australia takes a well-earned break, it’s time once again to reflect on Australia’s future under the British monarchy and the need for our independence from the Crown.
In 2020 the Australian Republic Movement called for the Queen’s birthday public holiday to be repurposed to recognise the tens of thousands of Australians who put their lives on the line to make our nation safer – front-line workers such as firefighters, SES, nurses, doctors, police defence personnel and countless volunteers that have made enormous sacrifices for others. That call still stands.
However, it’s also time for Australia to reignite the conversation about Australia’s future under the British monarchy. Only one-third of Australians know the British Queen is our head of state and the monarchy is becoming more unrepresentative of Australians as time goes on.
Buckingham Palace is now making preparations for the end of the Queen’s reign. Prince Charles is reportedly taking on a number of responsibilities for the Queen, as heir to the throne. It’s time Australia began preparing too, including working towards the reforms needed for Australia to become a republic.
In January 2020, the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) adopted a new strategic approach to build public consensus about the reforms that should be taken to a referendum. This involved extensive public consultation, public opinion research and consultation with academics and parliamentarians about the way forward.
That work has continued in 2021 and the ARM is on track to announce its position on the key features of a model by the end of this year. ARM National Director, Sandy Biar said that the reforms would begin a new chapter in Australia’s campaign for its independence from the British monarchy.
“We have been listening closely to the views shared with us by thousands of Australians across the country and building on common ground we can all get behind.”
“It’s crucial we begin this conversation now so that all Australians have the opportunity to be heard, be informed and to take part in the conversation about our future.
“When we have a head of state who champions the interests of Australians, who stands with us in times of crisis, who can speak for us as a proud, fellow Australian chosen by Australians, then we will have truly come of age” Mr Biar said.
