Let Queen Preside over Inauguration of Australian Republic

Amanda Vanstone comments on the new milestone in our Head of State’s reign and lauds a woman who was thrust into duty in her 20s by circumstances out of her control and dutifully served ever since. However, she writes that “We have…

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Flurry in New Zealand Flag Referendum

After forty designs were reduced to four for the first referendum, there is a little ruffle in paradise after a negative response to the choices and with pressure mounting for a popular fifth design – not featuring a fern – to be included, as well as a campaign to boycott…

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Motion for Republic in Senate

Senator Katy Gallagher (ACT) newly announced as co-convenor of the parliamentary republic group (see News Item of 27 August) puts a motion to the Senate asking it to note: that there is (a) significant support across the Australian community for a…

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Long Stint for our Head of State

On 9 September, Queen Elizabeth II of England will become the longest reigning Australian  – and British – monarch. This provoked sharp analysis from Polly Toynbee in The Guardian of the sort we never see in the Australian media. Why is this…

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NZ Empty Honours Blasted

The editorial in the NZ Herald describes the appointment of Prince Charles to head the miniscule NZ military as “discordant” (in the light of the referendum in November to remove the Union Jack from the NZ flag) adding that “ridiculous military titles”…

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Future King to Head NZ Military Forces

NZ Prime Minister John Key announces that Prince Charles will be recognised as Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force during a visit…

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Senator Katy Gallagher to Lead Parliamentary Republic Group

The newest Labor Senator, Katy Gallagher from the ACT who joined the Senate in March this year, will co-convene a new federal parliamentary friendship group on the Republic. Naturally, the other convenor, Treasurer Joe Hockey from the Liberals, grabbed the media attention for all the…

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Saying It Like It Is

Fairfax journalist, Stephanie Peatling, has long written about the republic. She again comments on its fate even with an uptick in ARM’s profile as it seeks to reignite political action even with a monarchist diehard as Prime Minister and little prospect in…

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Women Did Get a Mention

Peter FitzSimons, minus the trademark red bandanna, gives his first address as ARM chair at the National Press Club in Canberra. Some commentators felt his speech was light on as no women were mentioned. But three were: Dolly Parton, Senator Katy Gallagher…

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NZ Legislation for Flag Referendums

A bill passes the NZ parliament for two referendums to change the flag and remove the Union Jack. There will be two postal votes: one between 20 November and 11 December, the second in March 2016. Firstly, voters will be asked to…

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