As part of a front bench reshuffle, the ALP announces a new Parliamentary Secretary (junior Minister) for the Republic. The title, added to existing shadow Parliamentary Secretary Matt Thistlethwaite’s role as Assistant Treasurer, a bit of a mouthful but intended not to scare the horses is: “Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for an Australian Head of State.” This is the first time that there has been a Minister or shadow Minister with this specific responsibility in any party. Thistlethwaite has been a consistent and prominent republic supporter in the parliamentary Labor party even though member for an electorate with solid Labor leanings in eastern Sydney. This is a good move but much better would be a ‘Minister for the Republic’ of a party in Government. Having this shadow role does not guarantee that it would continue if the ALP wins a future election. For more details about what the shadow role is to involve click on the link below. [“Major step in push for Australian Republic: Labor appoints a ‘Shadow Assistant Minister for an Australian Head of State” by Claire Bickers, news.com.au, 24 October 2017]
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
