In a step towards equal rights for members of the UK royal family, the Sovereign Grant Act which gives female heirs equal rights has been passed by the British Parliament. One clause provides for an heir to the throne who is not…
NSW Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell announces that the NSW Governor would return to live in Government House by the end of the year. The residential part of the building will be renovated at taxpayer’s expense. This reverses the forward-thinking decision made by republican Labor Premier Bob…
While talking about the Queen of Australia’s one-day visit to Brisbane on 24 October, Anna Bligh was described as “admitting” she supported a Republic, also commenting that “she recognised the Queen as head of state and would pay ‘appropriate’ respects”. It is also clear…
The theme for the Third National Republican Short Story Competition is “Citizen or Subject”. Entries close 6 November. Entry costs $11.99. Length 2000-4000 words with a first prize of $500. Details at http://republicanfiction.blogspot.com or email fiction@republic.org.au
Lisa Singh, new Labor Senator for Tasmania, supports Australia becoming a republic in her first speech. Senator Singh was a former ARM State Convenor for Tasmania. Find her speech on the www.aph.gov.au website.
“Why are we doing this? Will it bring us closer together? Will it unify us? What is the purpose of this exercise? Should it deal with unfinished business or is it a beginning?” Professor Mick Dodson speaks at a Senate…
Commemoration of the Australian Republican Movement’s 20th anniversary gives WfaAR cause for pause about the few – and declining – numbers of women involved in ARM decision-making over its history. The 14 foundation members of 9 July 1991 included: Jenny Kee; Franca Arena; Faith Bandler and Geraldine…
Sarah Brasch, National Convenor, writes to The Canberra Times following reports of the Foreign Minister deferring to the Queen as the reason not to do anything about the Republic during an interview with the BBC in London (Rudd puts republic goal low on list, CTimes…
Also sparked by the royal wedding, come a series of polls about current support for the republic. Newspoll published in The Australian surveyed 1-3 April and announced that women’s support was then at 34 percent (compared with 49 percent for men) with 43 percent…
A website promoting consultation and education about the promised referendum on Indigenous recognition in the Constition is announced – one for referendum watchers and those interested in Constitutional reform. The youmeunity website lacks any government labels at all and has been created by…
