Today the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) is embarking on a new historic chapter in Australia's campaign for independence from the British Monarchy, through the launch of its new national strategy.
The strategy proposes the ARM adopt a clearly articulated proposal for constitutional reform by building on the common ground that already exists between supporters of a republic. A national consultation over the next 18-24 months will inform the development of the reform model and work to build consensus among supporters, the broader community and the Federal Parliament. Once that consensus has been achieved, the ARM will campaign for the model proposal to be taken directly to a referendum.
The strategy supersedes the ARM's previous position which sought to generate majority support for a republic and model through a series of advisory national plebiscite vote questions.
Substantial common ground already exists between supporters of an Australian republic. There is near unanimous agreement that role of head of Australia should be ceremonial without executive power and should not have a role in setting national policy and that they should be independent with exclusive allegiance to Australia and its interests.
"This is a bold new approach which emphasises that we have far more uniting us as Australians than we have dividing us" said Peter FitzSimons, Chair of the ARM.
"Almost all Australians who support our independence from the British Monarchy agree on the fundamentals of those reforms, and it's now time we draw a line under the differences of the past and work together to build consensus around a proposal for change.
"This is long overdue. This is a decision that we as Australians must make for ourselves. Do we want to be independent? Then let's work together to make it happen.
"People are sick and tired of seeing our national leaders fight rather than sitting down and working constructively towards an agreement that benefits everyone. The ARM is dedicated to advancing this important national discussion about our nation's future and independence" said Mr FitzSimons.
Submissions to the consultation can be made here.
