With Kim Beazley’s appointment as the next Governor of Western Australia, the former Labor leader, Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador to the US joins a growing list of known republic supporters going over to the other side (also Quentin Bryce and Richard Butler). Quite astonishing that Beazley was appointed to ARM’s Republican Advisory Panel of “notables”, of which he was one of the most notable, as recently as December last year. Shades of Federation all over again when the British Government\/Queen Victoria handed out knighthoods to all and sundry. The republic is going to involve sacrifice including the forsaking of monarchical appointments and our imperial honours. It would be interesting to know how many turn down the awards and appointments on principle. How hard is it to resist the perks, status, patronage, regal piles etc for principle? Even more surprising was the Chair of ARM’s reported claim that Beazley would be able to remain on the Republic Advisory Panel and there would be no conflict of interest. WfaAR doubts the Palace – or anyone else – would agree with that position. On the other hand, maybe Beazley sees something about the fate of the Republic that the rest of us can’t – see News Item of 1 January 2018 – and has decided to decamp while there is a better offer to hand. Peter van Onselen nails it in a pointed piece about this appointment “Kim Beazley’s Appointment to WA Governor not everyone’s cup of tea” PerthNow online 7 May 2018- click on link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n