The Australian Republic Movement has marked National Wattle Day with celebrations, including a gathering of ARM members in Canberra.
National Director and CEO Isaac Jeffrey said: “Wattle is the national flower of Australia and our floral emblem. As we gather here in our nation’s capital and the golden orbs of wattle bloom, it’s a chance for us to reflect on our country and our future.
“Just as the wattle represents optimism, resilience, renewal, diversity and unity, so too does the Australian Republic Movement’s vision for an Australian Head of State.
“Wattle’s green and gold have been adopted as our national colours. We don’t cheer on athletes in the red and white of England or even the red, white and blue of the United Kingdom. We cheer for the Aussies of First Nations backgrounds or over 200 multicultural backgrounds who run on the fields as equals proudly wearing Aussie green and gold.
“In contrast, our King wears jewels and diamonds, and bright red and white robes. He is considered above us and sits high on his throne in luxury on the other side of the world.
“The majority of Australians believe that our Head of State should be one of us, first among equals, not in robes on a foreign throne, but happy to don the green and gold at the Matilda’s World Cup on home soil or to wear a sprig of wattle on the lapel to meet world leaders on our behalf. They need to act in our best interests and understand our values and our heritage.
“Australians value hard work, free choice and merit. We believe that if you have the skills and experience you should be able to take on any role, including representing our nation. Australia built an egalitarian nation by rewarding achievement, not entitlement – yet King Charles is King of Australia by birth, not by earning the role or through endorsement of the Australian people. He cannot represent who or what we are as a modern, diverse nation and we deserve someone who can.
“Just like a wattle in spring, Australia is having important, historical conversations about reconciliation, national identity and undergoing renewal, and the final step of this journey is to embrace the three pillars of our foundations and start a new chapter.
“Like wattle, we are a resilient nation built on Indigenous and multicultural heritage, and European institutional foundations which have forged us into a unique country. An Australian Head of State is a symbol of optimism, resilience, renewal, diversity and unity. One of us, accountable to us, wearing our colours and symbols, working for us, loyal to us and only us.”
