The Parliamentary Friends for an Australian Head of State group, first announced by the ARM in August 2015 (see News 28 August 2015) finally had its first gathering over a cup of tea. Co-convenors are Senator Katy Gallagher (Labor ACT) and Jason Falinski (Liberal NSW, Member for Mackellar), both strong supporters. Katy Gallagher gave the 2014 National Republican Lecture (see News 13 June 2014 for link) while Jason Falinski, a ‘young’ Liberal from local government, has also been the ARM Convenor in NSW. WfaAR understands major party leaders including Malcolm Turnbull, Bill Shorten and Richard di Natale are signed up. Guest speaker for the first session was Peter Fitzsimons, Chair of ARM. Parliamentary Friendship Groups are formally recognised by the presiding officers and last for the life of the current parliament (the 45th). The official description of this group is: “a forum for Members and Senators to meet and interact with the Australian public on matters relating to transitioning our nation from a system of Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic.” This group has 44 members (out of total of 226 in both Houses ),17 of whom are female federal politicians.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
