Our public statements
Monday 4 November 2024
25th ANNIVERSARY OF REPUBLIC REFERENDUM
The 25th anniversary on 6 November of the overwhelming rejection of “the politicians’ republic” at the 1999 referendum finds Australians ill-equipped to consider and debate constitutional change and a vacuum of leadership when it comes to advocating any reforms that would deliver measurable benefits.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said the rejection of the Voice to Parliament for First Nations’ people last year had seen Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vacate the field of constitutional change and apparently abandon plans to hold a republic referendum in his second term if re-elected.
“Having a prime minister say and do nothing in the wake of a badly managed rejected referendum does little to help Australians to consider other constitutional changes,” he said.
“The October outcome showed we are out of practice when it comes to the referendum process. Doing nothing now to improve that position means we are losing time to build the knowledge and processes needed to sensibly consider the arguments for and against any future referendum proposal, not just a question on an Australian republic.”
Tuesday 15 October 2024
PRIME MINISTER MUST BRIEF KING CHARLES ON REFORM AGENDA
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese needs to emulate Paul Keating and brief King Charles III on the government’s forward plan for achieving beneficial constitutional change including an indicative timetable for another republic referendum, says chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
“The Real Republic Australia has always believed that King Charles as our nation’s head of state under current constitutional arrangements needs to be treated with respect,” Mr Muir said.
“But that doesn’t prevent us as a nation from using the democratic mechanisms available to us to alter our Constitution to deliver changes – not just a republic – that would bring measurable benefits to Australians and our system of government.
“Unfortunately the Albanese Government is developing a reputation for timidity – something that could never be said about Mr Keating – and it would be embarrassing and disappointing if Mr Albanese has no forward plan for constitutional changes to discuss with our current head of state when he visits.”
Friday 4 October 2024
PUBLIC HOLIDAY UNDERLINES INACTION ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Monday’s (7 October 2024) public holiday across Queensland formally marking the British monarch’s birthday and the upcoming anniversary of the First Nations’ Voice to Parliament referendum both help underline the failure of the Albanese Government to address the need for constitutional reform.
“While we should always respect King Charles III for the role he is required to fill as our current Head of State under the Australian Constitution, we should be using the democratic processes open to us to change that same Constitution to make it more relevant to Australia in the 21st century,” Mr Muir said.
“Unfortunately the Prime Minister’s response in the wake of the October 2023 referendum was to jettison an expected republic referendum if he secures a second term and to ignore the need for a better process for involving and informing voters about our Constitution. He clearly has no forward plan for constitutional change despite the obvious benefits they would deliver.”
Mr Muir said there were real benefits waiting to be realised by adopting just some of the constitutional changes advocated by the Real Republic Australia such as:
• transitioning Australia to a truly independent nation with its own genuinely directly elected Head of State,
• fixed four-year terms and synchronised elections for both houses of the Australian Parliament,
• breaking the constitutional nexus governing the relative sizes of the upper and lower houses, and
• constitutional recognition of local government.
Tuesday 6 August 2024
ALBANESE MISSES CHANCE TO INVEST IN BENEFICIAL CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent federal cabinet reshuffle was a missed opportunity to invest in a long-range plan that would deliver tangible benefits through constitutional change.
“Mr Albanese ditched the position of Assistant Minister for the Republic but should have substituted a new position of Assistant Minister for Constitutional Change to drive a reform agenda and deliver real benefits,” Mr Muir said.
“Instead he has vacated the field when it comes to constitutional reform, unlike some predecessors like Gough Whitlam or Paul Keating who invested heavily and over long periods in arguing the case for change.
“Having sustained a loss at the October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum it seems there is no appetite for tackling any other constitutional changes, even those that would deliver real and measurable benefits.”
Monday 15 July 2024
ROYAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Australians should welcome and respect King Charles III as the nation’s current constitutional head of state when he visits later this year.
“King Charles occupies the position of head of state under the current Australian Constitution, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continue discussing ways to use the democratic processes available to us through a future referendum to transition our nation to a republic with its own genuinely directly elected head of state,” Mr Muir said.
“The Real Republic Australia has never believed that the republic debate should be used as an opportunity to attack or denigrate the British royal family.”
Friday 7 June 2024
PUBLIC HOLIDAY IS A TIME TO CONSIDER REPUBLIC AND WIDER REFORM
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Monday’s public holiday in most of Australia formally marking the British monarch’s birthday is an ideal opportunity for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to clarify his plans for constitutional reform.
The King’s birthday is officially recognised with a public holiday on Monday in all states and territories except Western Australia which marks the event in September and in Queensland which has a public holiday in October.
“We should respect King Charles III for the position he occupies as our Head of State under the current Australian Constitution, just as most Australians respected the late Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Muir said. “But that doesn’t prevent us from discussing ways to use the democratic processes available to us through a future referendum to transition our nation to a republic with its own genuinely directly elected Head of State.
“Unfortunately the Albanese Government has set out no coherent plan to achieve that goal, or to detail how it might achieve other beneficial constitutional changes.”
Thursday 7 March 2024
IRELAND SHOWS THE WAY ON CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
The Albanese Government should examine the genesis of referendums being held in Ireland on International Women’s Day this Friday as a model for achieving non-partisan – not just bipartisan – backing for beneficial constitutional changes in Australia, according to the Real Republic Australia.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said the Albanese Government had so far failed to articulate a way forward on constitutional change following the October defeat of the Voice to Parliament referendum.
“The Irish use a system of Citizens’ Assemblies consisting of 99 average voters selected to best represent the wider Irish community and led by an independent expert chair. Politicians, media representatives, and anyone aligned with interest groups advocating for a specific change cannot be members of an assembly,” Mr Muir said.
Two referendum questions updating references in the Irish Constitution to the concept of family and the role of women will be decided by voters on 8 March, International Women’s Day. Both questions arose from the Citizens’ Assembly process.
Wednesday 24 January 2024
AUSTRALIA DAY - OPPORTUNITY LOST
The Real Republic Australia says the indefinite deferral of a referendum on an Australian republic means an opportunity lost for uniting Australians around a new national day.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said although the group did not actively campaign for abandoning Australia Day it recognised growing community divisions around using 26 January as a national celebration.
“Instead of a day that divides us we should be looking for a day that unites us all,” Mr Muir said.
“If a republic referendum goes ahead and is successful, then the day our nation becomes a republic offers a logical, and inclusive date on which to celebrate. Becoming a republic would involve a democratic decision taken by all Australian voters under the terms of our Australian Constitution.”
Saturday 6 January 2024
TIME TO FIND A BETTER WAY
The Real Republic Australia says if the Albanese Government defers a promised republic referendum if re-elected to a second term it must start now to establish a better process to secure beneficial constitutional reforms.
“We need to know if the government is closing the door to beneficial reform because there a measurable savings to taxpayers that could flow from constitutional changes such as fixed four-year terms for the federal parliament, recognition of local government, and a republic itself,” said David Muir, chair of the Real Republic Australia which advocates for a genuinely directly el;elected head of state.
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
Wednesday 3 January 2024
A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: GET BACK ON THE REFORM HORSE
After the defeat of the referendum on a First Nations’ voice to federal parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese may be having second thoughts about further attempts at constitutional reform, including establishing an Australian republic. David Muir believes the PM should not walk away from beneficial constitutional reforms but instead go further than seeking bipartisan support for any future referendums and instead embrace a new process to deliver non-partisan backing for change.
Tuesday 5 December 2023
2024 ROYAL VISIT – PM SHOULD MAKE INTENTIONS CLEAR
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should use any announcement of a proposed 2024 visit to Australia by King Charles III as an opportunity to clarify his future plans for constitutional reform and confirm an expected referendum on a republic in his second term if re-elected.
“Just after the 14 October referendum on a First Nations’ voice to federal parliament the Real Republic Australia wrote to the Prime Minister seeking assurances that he was not giving up on constitutional reform including a republic referendum which he had previously indicated would be held in his second term,” Mr Muir said. “We are yet to receive a response to our letter.”
Sunday 15 October 2023
REFERENDUM RESULT SHOWS REFORM PLAN IS NEEDED
The Real Republic Australia says the Albanese Government must not only recommit to a republic referendum but also implement as soon as possible a workable and inclusive long-term process to secure other beneficial constitutional reforms.
“One of the lessons from the Voice referendum is that people need to see, understand, and be comfortable with the model being put to them for approval,” said David Muir, chair of the Real Republic Australia which advocates for a genuine directly elected head of state.
“That can best be achieved by investing time and energy through a non-partisan process involving Australians themselves, not politicians, in assessing constitutional reform proposals.
“The Albanese Government needs to flesh out urgently its proposed Australian Constitutional Commission so everyone can see what is being proposed in terms of a longer-term plan for reform.”
Saturday 30 September 2023
PUBLIC HOLIDAY IS A TIME TO CONSIDER A REPUBLIC
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Monday’s public holiday to formally mark the British monarch’s birthday can also be viewed as a time to consider why our nation doesn’t have an Australian as its Head of State.
“We should respect King Charles III for the position he occupies as our Head of State under the current Australian Constitution, just as most Australians respected the late Queen Elizabeth II,” Mr Muir said.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to discuss ways to use the democratic processes available to us through a future referendum to transition our nation to a republic with its own genuinely directly elected Head of State.
“The public holiday may be the first time many Australians come to realise that under current constitutional arrangements, the British monarch will always be our Head of State and no Australian can ever hold that position.”
Tuesday 16 May 2023
REGIONAL AND REMOTE INPUT VITAL FOR REPUBLIC DEBATE
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, will brief members of the Longreach Regional Council in Ilfracombe on Wednesday on the need for a genuine directly elected Head of State in an Australian republic as part of the group’s efforts to reach out to regional, rural, and remote communities.
Mr Muir, who grew up in the Longreach district on his parent’s sheep property, said: “We feel that any discussions about an Australian republic must not be dominated by those in Canberra, Sydney or other big capitals. We also feel very strongly that the republic debate should never sink to ‘cheap shots’ directed at the royal family.
“Australians need to be well informed about the issues involved in becoming a republic before a referendum is held as promised in the next term of federal parliament if the Albanese Government is re-elected.”
Friday 5 May 2023
PM TAKES SENSIBLE APPROACH
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is taking a sensible approach to the coronation by recognising current constitutional arrangements while advocating the need to discuss an Australian republic.
“What we need in the lead-up to possibly another republic referendum in the next term of federal parliament is a calm and reasoned discussion on the merits of a republic and especially how we can achieve a genuine directly elected Head of State,” Mr Muir said.
“The Prime Minister’s approach underlines the fact that our current Constitution means King Charles III is our Head of State and there is nothing wrong with acknowledging and respecting that constitutional fact while advocating for change through the lawful, constitutional, and democratic processes available to us.
“The republic debate should not be about attacking the British royal family or denigrating its current role as outlined in our Constitution.”
Thursday 27 April 2023
THE CORONATION AND THE REPUBLIC CAMPAIGN
The Real Republic Australia says supporters of an Australian republic should focus on more important issues than rather than launch personal attacks on the royal family and the upcoming coronation of King Charles III.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said the Real Republic Australia had taken the opportunity in its latest quarterly newsletter Constitutional Conversation not to criticise the event or King Charles, but to canvass issues and ideas that were far more relevant to the republic cause.
“We feel that is a far better use of our time and efforts than making shallow personal attacks or poking fun at the ancient rituals involved in the coronation,” he said. “The fact is the coronation will come and go. But under our Australian Constitution, King Charles III will still be our Head of State the day after his coronation.
“He'll remain our Head of State until we change our Constitution. That is the focus of the Real Republic Australia which never indulges in personal attacks or ridicule of members of the royal family.”
Constitutional Conversation #13 Autumn 2023 is available on our newsletters page.
Tuesday 24 January 2023
AUSTRALIA DAY
The Real Republic Australia says the advent of an Australian republic could provide a new and inclusive national day of celebration.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said although the group did not actively campaign for a day to replace the existing Australia Day, it recognised growing community sentiment against marking 26 January as a national celebration.
“If Australians decide that an alternative to 26 January is needed, then a day linked to the advent of an Australian republic could provide a suitable alternative,” Mr Muir said.
“The new annual national day could be the date Australia officially transitions to a republic, the date relevant legislation is passed by federal parliament, or the day of any successful republic referendum.”
Wednesday 30 November 2022
SUNSHINE COAST INPUT IN REPUBLIC DEBATE IS ESSENTIAL
On the Sunshine Coast today, chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, and former state Liberal Party leader, Bob Quinn, said all Australians needed to be well informed about the issues involved in becoming a republic before a referendum was held as expected in the next term of federal parliament if the Albanese Government was re-elected.
While on the Sunshine Coast they met and briefed prominent constitutional monarchist June Upton on the Real Republic Australia’s model and discussion paper.
“We respect the reasons June supports the current system and we don’t expect to change her mind and she won’t change our views, but in the end we are all Australians who simply support different ideas and we need to know the facts on both sides of the debate,” Mr Muir said.
Tuesday 22 November 2022
REGIONAL INPUT IN REPUBLIC DEBATE IS VITAL
The Real Republic Australia says discussion of an Australian republic must start now but should not be dominated by those in Canberra, Sydney or other big capitals.
In Toowoomba today, chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said Australians needed to be well informed about the issues involved in becoming a republic before a referendum was held as expected in the next term of federal parliament if the Albanese Government was re-elected.
Thursday 10 November 2022
REFORMS ANSWER 1975 FEARS
The Real Republic Australia says the anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s dismissal on 11 November 1975 is an opportunity to consider how a shift to a republic can prevent any similar action in the future.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said the group advocated for a genuine directly elected Head of State in an Australian republic with clearly codified powers.
“The discussion paper we have released outlines the broad concepts of constitutional amendments we suggest to address any lingering fears that a Whitlam-style dismissal was a possibility in a republic with an elected Head of State,” he said.
Thursday 3 November 2022
ABETZ SHOULD NOT INSULT KING CHARLES
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says the national conference of the Australian Monarchist League being held in Sydney on Saturday should refrain from promoting the bogus argument that the Governor-General is Australia’s Head of State.
Mr Muir said chair of the AML’s anti-republic campaign, former senator Eric Abetz, regularly aired the baseless argument.
“Not only is the argument wrong, I believe it actually insults King Charles by belittling and misrepresenting the role he has as Australia’s Head of State under our current constitutional arrangements,” Mr Muir said.
Tuesday 1 November 2022
GOLD COAST INPUT IN REPUBLIC DEBATE IS VITAL
The Real Republic Australia says public debate on an Australian republic must not be dominated by those in Canberra, Sydney or other big capital cities.
Speaking on the Gold Coast today, chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said Assistant Minister for the Republic, Matt Thistlethwaite, had indicated his plan to begin a “listening tour” across the nation next year.
“The Real Republic Australia itself has just released a comprehensive discussion paper seeking feedback on our model for a republic with a genuine directly elected Head of State,” Mr Muir said. “The discussion paper – available at realrepublic.au – sets out our ideas but we really want to hear the views and ideas of people on the Gold Coast.”
Thursday 20 October 2022
YOUR CHOICE/THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE REPUBLIC DISCUSSION PAPER
The Real Republic Australia today released a discussion paper outlining key features of its model for a genuine directly elected Head of State in an Australian republic.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said the aim was to foster discussion of the issues involved in Australia’s transition to a republic at a future referendum.
“It’s safe to say that just under 100% of Australian voters are not constitutional lawyers,” Mr Muir said. “But all Australian voters get to decide the fate of any referendum so the sooner we start the discussion the better informed we will all be and the better the chances of a successful referendum.
Thursday 13 October 2022
GENUINE DIRECT-ELECTION MODEL IS THE KEY
The Real Republic Australia continues to support a genuine direct-election model for choosing the Head of State of an Australian republic, says chair David Muir.
In the pro-republic group’s latest quarterly newsletter Constitutional Conversation, Mr Muir said history showed that any model resembling a “politicians’ republic” would be rejected at a future referendum as it was in November 1999.
He said the Real Republic Australia’s discussion paper to be released next week would outline the major elements of an Australian republic with a genuine directly elected Head of State.
Friday 30 September 2022
PUBLIC HOLIDAY SHOULD SPARK DEBATE
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says he hopes Monday’s public holiday formally marking the British monarch’s birthday will hopefully prompt some Queenslanders to think more about the prospects for Australia becoming a republic with a genuine directly elected Head of State.
“There may be some people in our state who, before the recent passing Queen Elizabeth II and the automatic ascension of King Charles III without any reference to Australians, may not have realised that the British monarch is Australia’s Head of State,” Mr Muir said.
“They may not realise that under our current constitutional monarchy the British monarch will always be our Head of State and no Australian can ever hold that position.”
Friday 23 September 2022
HOLIDAY HELPS FOCUS REPUBLIC DEBATE
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II and the formal acknowledgement of the British monarch’s birthday in Western Australia on Monday are reminders of the need to hold a sensible discussion on the prospects of Australia becoming a republic.
Mr Muir said the Real Republic Australia advocated for an Australian to be directly elected by voters as Australia’s Head of State.
“We do not support the concept of politicians picking a Head of State for us and we do not support the idea of politicians giving us a shortlist of people to vote for,” he said.
Friday 9 September 2022
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II would be remembered as a unique period in world history just as she would be remembered as a unique British monarch.
“Queen Elizabeth’s historically long reign spanned more than seven decades and straddled two centuries during which the world changed dramatically and during which she fulfilled her role and responsibilities with dignity, grace, and strength,” Mr Muir said.
“All Australians should recognise her service to our nation and as head of the Commonwealth, the many times she visited our shores, and the manner in which she accepted the transition of many member states to republics.”
Thursday 16 June 2022
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM ON THE AGENDA
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government has already done more in its first few weeks in office to advance reform of the Australian Constitution than all previous governments since Paul Keating’s.
Mr Muir also said recommendations by three parliamentary committees in the previous Federal Parliament provided a significant “to-do list” for other reforms to improve national governance.
He said commitments to progress a referendum on constitutional recognition of First Nations, the designation of Matt Thistlethwaite as Assistant Minister for the Republic, and earmarking a possible referendum on a republic in its second term if re-elected all distinguished the Albanese Government from its predecessors.
Thursday 9 June 2022
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
A CHANGED ENVIRONMENT FOR THE REPUBLIC DEBATE
A period in which Queen Elizabeth has celebrated her Platinum Jubilee and most Australians mark her birthday on Monday may seem an odd time for a new government to be discussing an Australian republic, but David Muir suggests the May federal election has changed traditional ideas about the debate.
Saturday 23 April 2022
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
COMMONWEALTH HAS A CONTINUING ROLE
The Independent Australia’s history editor Dr Glenn Davies recently explained possible reasons for the paucity of interest in Commonwealth Day which he said highlighted the need to progress an Australian republic. David Muir believes we should not use public apathy towards Commonwealth Day and the current heavy involvement of the royal family in the Commonwealth itself as reasons to walk away from it.
Friday 15 April 2022
REPUBLIC TIMETABLE NEEDED
The Real Republic Australia says the Labor Party’s decision to prioritise recognition of First Nations’ people in the Australian Constitution if elected is understandable, but a firm timetable for progressing the republic transition and other constitutional reforms is still needed.
“All parties need to outline their plans for giving Australians the opportunity to have a say in moving our nation towards becoming as republic,” said Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
“We understand that indigenous recognition must be resolved. It is an issue that is critical to the identity of our nation and has been delayed too long already.”
Wednesday 12 January 2022
MODEL FOR AN AUSTRALIAN REPUBLIC
The Real Republic Australia continues to support a model for choosing a Head of State of an Australian republic unfiltered by politicians, says chair David Muir.
Mr Muir said the model for Head of State released by the Australian Republic Movement carried echoes of the “politicians’ republic” rejected at the 1999 referendum.
“The model the ARM has devised appears to be a hybrid that essentially offers voters a pool of nominees chosen by state or federal politicians,” he said. “In essence it would be a case of politicians telling Australian voters who they were allowed to vote for as their Head of State.
“We continue to support a model that as far as possible eliminates politicians from the process of filtering candidates for Head of State.”
Friday 7 January 2022
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
LESSONS FOR AUSTRALIA FROM THE CAPITOL ATTACKS
The anniversary of the 6 January invasion of the US Capitol and its resultant deaths is an unhappy reminder of an event arising from a concerted campaign by a US President to cancel democracy. DAVID MUIR believes we must consider changes to the Australian Constitution to prevent a similar attack on our own democracy.
Monday 29 November 2021
BARBADOS SHOWS IT CAN BE DONE
The small Caribbean island nation of Barbados is about to prove a former British colony can become a truly independent nation on the world stage by transitioning to a republic, says chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said by early Tuesday afternoon (30 November Australian time) Barbados would mark its move to a republic and the end of its status as a constitutional monarchy by cutting ties to Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.
“Barbados gained independence from Britain in 1966 and after many years of public debate, the Parliament of Barbados voted unanimously to pass a Bill making the country a republic from its traditional Independence Day of 30 November,” Mr Muir said.
Monday 14 June 2021
ROADMAP FOR A REPUBLIC AND OTHER REAL REFORMS
The Real Republic Australia says as Australians in most states except Queensland and Western Australia mark the Queen’s birthday on Monday 14 June, they should spend a moment to consider a possible “roadmap” to involve them in a plan for long-term reform of the Australian Constitution including the transition to a republic.
Real Republic Australia chair, David Muir, said a framework known as an Australian Constitutional Assembly should be established to engage Australians in a process leading to beneficial reforms of the way government operates.
“The Real Republic Australia has always advocated an Australian republic with a directly elected head of state,” Mr Muir said. “We believe no other model will secure sufficient support to pass at a future referendum.”
Thursday 17 June 2021
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
A ROADMAP FOR A REPUBLIC AND OTHER REAL REFORMS
The Queen’s Birthday holiday is an ideal time for Australians to contemplating the relevance of our system of constitutional monarchy and the fact our head of state if a British monarch. DAVID MUIR suggests they might also consider a new proposal setting out a pathway for achieving an Australian republic as well as other constitutional reforms.
Wednesday 12 May 2021
REPUBLIC DISCUSSION ON THE GOLD COAST
The issue of Australia becoming a republic will be the subject of discussion at a meeting on the Gold Coast tomorrow.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, and noted author, community activist, and republic supporter Everald Compton, will talk about their ideas for an Australian republic at a meeting of the Gold Coast Retirees.
“The republic debate is not and should never be about the royal family,” Mr Muir said. “It is not ‘us-versus-the Queen’. It is about Australians making decisions about the future of their nation.”
Tuesday 20 April 2021
LET’S STOP DEFERRING THE REPUBLIC DEBATE
The Queens’s birthday this week (21 April) and the recent passing of the Duke of Edinburgh should remind Australians that we should already be debating an Australian republic, says chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said the royal family had repeatedly acknowledged that the republic debate was one for Australians to have and make a decision about the future of the nation.
“Members of the royal family from the Queen down and certainly Prince Philip have taken the common-sense view that the republic debate is not a reflection on them,” he said. “They have on many occasions stated quite clearly that they view the issue as one for Australians to settle and that they will abide by our decision.”
Tuesday 30 March 2021
ESSENTIAL POLL SHOWS REPUBLIC SUPPORT
New polling shows continuing strong support for an Australian republic but future polls should focus more on what model voters would support at any future referendum, says chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said the latest research by Essential Media Communications showed 48% of respondents backed a republic with 28% opposed and 25% unsure.
“The results shows a high level of ongoing support for a republic, a fact our national lawmakers seem to continue to ignore,” he said.
“The poll reveals a strong level of support even in the almost total absence of genuine public debate about a republic and the total absence of political leadership on the issue.”
Monday 15 March 2021
LET’S DRINK …. TO THE IRISH REPUBLIC MODEL
St Patrick’s Day this week (Wednesday 17 March 2021) is a good opportunity to move on from the personality-driven discussion of members of the British royal family and focus on specific and workable elements of the Irish system of government that could be adopted as part of a move to an Australian republic, according to chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said Ireland’s system of government – a Westminster-style executive led by a prime minister and cabinet but also having a directly elected president – showed what was possible in Australia.
“There is always a lot to celebrate about the Irish on St Patrick’s Day, but we should do more than raise a glass of Guinness,” Mr Muir said. “We should take the time to seriously consider aspects of Ireland’s republican model that we would do well to adopt.”
Thursday 11 March 2021
ALL PARTIES MUST LOOK TO THE FUTURE
The Real Republic Australia says federal MPs of all parties need to look beyond the current controversies surrounding the British royal family and decide now on a plan for constitutional reform including a shift to an Australian republic.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said: “The question of Australia becoming a republic has never been about the royal family.
“Even the Queen and others in the royal family recognise that it is about what Australians want and how they see their future in the world. People like former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull have relied on the idea of waiting until the Queen’s reign is over before even discussing a republic. That sort of disrespectful ‘death-watch’ approach has always been unsustainable and has been used by Mr Turnbull as an excuse for not taking the lead as only a prime minister can.”
Saturday 16 January 2021
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
REAL REFORM NEEDS A COHERENT PROCESS
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has denied he plans an early election this year. But David Muir sees recent speculation about an early poll and the one-word change to our national anthem as just two reasons to put an end to the ad hoc process, or lack of process, that now exists for making decisions affecting our nation’s governance, identity, and future.
15 January 2020
FROM THE AUSTRALIAN:
NEVER SAY NEVER TO BENEFICIAL REFORMS
Diehard monarchist Professor David Flint is right when he says the current troubles swirling around the House of Windsor courtesy of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not the “silver bullet” to deliver an Australian republic. (Royal rift no reason to revive tired republic debate 13/1)
Prince Harry is sixth in line to the throne, and therefore sixth in line to be Australia’s head of state. But to borrow a line from Professor Flint, for republicans “the monarchy is not the problem”.
The problem is the lack of will shown by the succession of recent prime ministers who failed to follow Paul Keating’s lead in putting the republic issue firmly on the national agenda as part of a process for meaningful Constitutional reform.
Thursday 17 September 2020
BARBADOS SHOWS HOW IT’S DONE
The Real Republic Australia says the small Caribbean island nation of Barbados has proved yet again that becoming a republic will not conflict with membership of the Commonwealth of Nations and respect for Queen Elizabeth II.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said once it became a republic Barbados would join 31 other republics in the 54-member Commonwealth of Nations headed by Her Majesty.
“News of the move by Barbados proves yet again that there is no conflict between a nation being a republic and its membership of the Commonwealth,” Mr Muir said.
Tuesday 14 July 2020
PALACE LETTERS CONFIRM NEED FOR AUSTRALIAN HEAD OF STATE
The contents of the “Palace Letters” released today are of secondary importance to the continuing and overriding need for Australians to vote for a republic and to elect their own head of state, according to the chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said the Real Republic Australia wanted the republic question considered as part of a wider package of Constitutional reforms to deliver cost savings and more stable government.
Sunday 7 June 2020
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
FIRES AND VIRUS SHOULD SPEED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE
It’s been 25 years since Prime Minister Paul Keating outlined to Federal Parliament his blueprint for seeking the views of Australians on whether our nation should become a republic.
His statement on 7 June 1995 sketched out a process seeking to alter our Constitution and give us an Australian as head of state and with it a distinct and genuinely independent voice and presence on the world stage.
Thursday 2 January 2020
COSTELLO TAKES THE EASY WAY OUT
Former federal treasurer Peter Costello’s pessimistic view on the prospects of an Australian republic relies entirely on a do-nothing approach by our political leaders, according to the chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said the Real Republic Australia wanted the republic question considered as part of a wider package of Constitutional reforms to deliver cost savings and more stable government.
“Mr Costello has embraced a self-fulfilling prophecy by waving the white flag before putting any effort into arguing the case for a republic as part of wider Constitutional reform,” Mr Muir said. “His comments suggest Australians should have supported the second-rate model for a republic that emerged from the 1998 Constitutional Convention only to be understandably rejected at the 1999 referendum.”
Tuesday 7 May 2019
CONGRATULATIONS TO ROYAL COUPLE
The Real Republic Australia says the Duke and Duchess of Sussex deserve congratulations and best wishes on the birth of their first child.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said: “The birth of any child is a special event, especially when it is a couple’s first. I am sure all Australians would wish the young couple and their new son well.”
Mr Muir said reports of the birth pointing out the new child was seventh in line to the British throne highlighted the need for Australians to continue discussing and debating a move to a republic.
“It doesn’t matter where in the line of succession a member of the Royal Family stands, the fact remains Australians should choose their own head of state, preferably through a direct election,” he said.
Sunday 5 May 2019
NEXT PM NEEDS TO FLESH OUT REPUBLIC PLAN NOW
The Real Republic Australia says both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten need to outline prior to polling day their plans for consulting Australians on the nation becoming a republic, especially giving voters the opportunity to express their views on what model they want for choosing their head of state.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said it was disappointing Mr Shorten’s policy launch in Brisbane on Sunday did not expand on his previously released plans for a national plebiscite in his first term of office if elected to government on 18 May.
“I hope he will give more details on his plan in the next few weeks before election day,” Mr Muir said. “So far Scott Morrison hasn’t given any firm idea to voters of how he intends to give Australians their say on a republic, if at all. He too should outline his plans for polling day.”
Friday 25 January 2019
COMMITMENT TO CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE NEEDED ON AUSTRALIA DAY
The Real Republic Australia says the nation’s political leaders should stop their fragmented approach to Constitutional changes such as an Australian republic and recognition of indigenous Australians.
“We need a coordinated program for tapping views on a package of Constitutional reforms, not a piecemeal, issue-by-issue approach,” said Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
“Australia Day is an opportune occasion for Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to commit to a process for testing the views of Australians on a package of Constitutional changes.”
Sunday 11 November 2018
SHORTEN PLEBISCITE PLAN NEEDS TO FOCUS ON MODEL
The Real Republic Australia says Opposition Leader Bill Shorten’s plan for an initial “yes/no” plebiscite on an Australian republic should also give voters the opportunity to express their views on what model they want for choosing their head of state.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said by offering no choice of model at the time of a plebiscite on the threshold yes/no question, voters may decide against approving what could be portrayed as “a blank cheque”.
“This could spell disaster and end the republic debate even before a second plebiscite on a model was held,” Mr Muir said.
Monday 15 October 2018
PM NEEDS TO STATE HIS CASE
The start of the latest royal tour is a chance for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare where he stands on giving Australians their say on Australia becoming a republic.
David Muir, chair of the Real Republic Australia, said in the past Mr Morrison had simply said he favoured the current Constitutional arrangements.
“At the weekend it was reported in The Australian that he had returned the Queen’s portrait to a wall in the Prime Minister’s office and that he respects the Constitutional Monarch,” Mr Muir said.
“He’s almost as wishy-washy as Malcolm Turnbull was as PM because there is a difference between respecting the Constitutional Monarch and continuing a Constitutional Monarchy.”
Monday 15 October 2018
WENTWORTH CANDIDATES THE REPUBLIC
The Real Republic Australia says half of the 16 candidates standing in the Wentworth by-election support an Australian republic and three of those back a direct election model for head of state.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said all 16 candidates were asked to state where they stood on the republic issue by answering two simple questions:
• do you support Australia becoming a republic?
• do you support a republic model with a head of state directly elected by Australian voters?
Thursday 11 October 2018
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
SOMEONE IS MISSING FROM THE REPUBLIC DEBATE
Paul Keating’s attack on Malcolm Turnbull’s failure as prime minister to advocate for an Australian republic has put the spotlight on the process for seeking the views of voters and choosing a model, but someone important is missing from the debate, says David Muir.
Sunday 7 October 2018
WENTWORTH CANDIDATES POLLED ON REPUBLIC
The Real Republic Australia is asking every candidate standing in the Wentworth by-election their views on an Australian republic.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said voters deserved to know where their would-be new MP stood on the republic issue.
“Malcolm Turnbull was a republic supporter, although as Prime Minister he was disappointingly wishy-washy on the issue and failed to show true national leadership,” Mr Muir said. “Wentworth voters need to know if their next MP will also be a supporter of an Australian republic.”
Wednesday 3 October 2018
KEATING COMMENTS PUT SPOTLIGHT ON PM
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, says Paul Keating is correct to point out Malcolm Turnbull’s lacklustre performance on the republic issue when in office, but his comments also put the spotlight on current Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s position.
“Despite his previous advocacy of a republic, Malcolm Turnbull was disappointingly wishy-washy on the issue when he was Prime Minister and while he had the opportunity to show national leadership,” Mr Muir said.
“His position as PM was for Australians to wait until the end of the Queen’s reign to even debate the issue. That was never a sensible or logical approach. He effectively sat on the fence and did not take the lead on this significant issue that goes to the heart of our nation’s future and our national identity.”
Sunday 30 September 2018
PM NEEDS TO STATE HIS POSITION ON REPUBLIC
The public holiday in Queensland to mark the Queen’s Birthday is an opportunity for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to declare where he stands on Australia becoming a republic and what his plans are to give Australians a say on the issue.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, said Scott Morrison had replaced Malcolm Turnbull nearly six weeks ago and had since made numerous comments about the type of nation he wanted Australia to be.
“The republic issue is central to our nation’s future, yet Mr Morrison has not made any declaration about whether he wants to see an Australian as Australia’s head of state and if he wants to see other Constitutional reforms,” Mr Muir said.
Friday 10 August 2018
FROM INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA:
MONARCHISTS APPEAR TO FEAR A POPULAR UPRISING
Some high-profile dedicated monarchists have become more strident in their attacks on Bill Shorten’s plan for addressing the republic issue, says David Muir.
Monday 6 August 2018
TONY ABBOTT’S CLAIMS ON REPUBLIC PLAN STRETCH CREDIBILITY
Tony Abbott’s comments criticising the federal Opposition Leader’s two-stage plan for addressing the republic issue are more likely motivated by a desire to stymie any vote rather than protect our Constitution.
“Tony Abbott clearly hasn’t changed his monarchist tune, but now fears the success of the only plan on the table for moving towards a republic,” said David Muir, chair of the Real Republic Australia. Mr Abbott’s long-standing opposition to an Australian republic is well known so whatever contribution he makes to any republic debate needs to be viewed against that background,” Mr Muir said.
Sunday 15 July 2018
FROM: THE SUNDAY MAIL, BRISBANE
LET’S REFORM THE SENATE AT THE REPUBLIC REFERENDUM
Leaving aside the personalities and political leanings of current members of our 76-seat Senate, there is no doubt there is a need to reform our nation’s upper house.
Thursday 10 May 2018
REPUBLIC REFERENDUM SHOULD CONSIDER SCRAPPING BY-ELECTIONS
The prospect of five federal by-elections and the loss of another Senator all point to the need for a referendum sooner not later on Constitutional changes including Australia becoming a republic and adopting a casual vacancy system for the House of Representatives, according to the Real Republic Australia group advocating a directly elected head of state and other real reforms.
Chair of the Real Republic, David Muir, said the group wanted a public debate and referendum on an Australian republic in addition to other Constitutional reforms delivering real benefits to Australians.
“Already WA voters face the prospect of a by-election to fill the seat of Perth, and now four other lower house MPs have quit in the wake of the High Court’s ruling against Senator Katy Gallagher,” Mr Muir said.
Wednesday 2 May 2018
DON’T WASTE REFERENDUM ON POLLIES’ CITIZENSHIP
Any referendum to clear up problems with the citizenship status of federal MPs will be a waste if it doesn’t include questions on the model for an Australian republic, says the group pushing the direct-election model for Australia’s head of state, the Real Republic Australia.
Real Republic chair, David Muir, said news stories that Prime Minister Turnbull is to receive a special report on how to remedy the citizenship problem for some MPs showed it was possible to hold a referendum on a republic sooner rather than later.
“I don’t think Australians will be impressed if a referendum at the next federal election focusses only on the question of citizenship for MPs and doesn’t also allow them to have a say on a republic, recognition of indigenous Australians, and other possible real reforms,” Mr Muir said.
Saturday 14 April 2018
ASPLEY FORUM ON REPUBLIC ARGUMENTS
A public forum this morning at Aspley will discuss reasons for and against Australia becoming a republic as well as other possible Constitutional changes that could be placed before voters at a referendum.
The forum will be led by Brisbane lawyer and chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir, and advocate for the aged, author, and Uniting Church elder, Everald Compton.
Mr Muir said the Real Republic advocated a republic with a head of state directly elected by Australian voters.
“Australians want real reforms not empty symbolism, and that means a directly elected Australian as our nation’s Head of State, not one chosen for them by politicians,” he said.
Tuesday 10 April 2018
REPUBLIC DEBATE DEPENDS ON MODEL OFFERED
Australians will strongly support a move to a republic if they have chance to vote for the direct election of our head of state, says the group pushing the direct-election model, the Real Republic Australia.
Real Republic chair, David Muir, said the addition of other possible constitutional changes as well as a republic would also strengthen support.
Mr Muir welcomed the headline results of a Newspoll showing 50% of those polled backed a republic with 41% opposed — figures that compared with the November 1999 referendum results of approximately 45% for and 55% against nationwide.
“The key to the debate is not the personalities of the royal family but the model that will be placed before voters, and the best model is for the direct election of our head of state,” Mr Muir said.
Tuesday 3 April 2018
PRIME MINISTER’S APPROACH SETS UP PRINCE CHARLES
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull could rightly expect a frosty reception if he crosses paths with Prince Charles who is due to start his Australian tour tomorrow (4 April), according to the chair of the Real Republic Australia, David Muir.
Mr Muir said Mr Turnbull’s insistence that moves for a referendum on Australia becoming a republic should not start until the reign of Queen Elizabeth II ends is a recipe for an unfair and unnecessary “get Charles” campaign.
“The Queen and Prince Charles no doubt recognise the risk and would be comfortable with our nation starting its journey to becoming a republic now not later,” Mr Muir said. “Discussion of our nation becoming a republic should never be about the current monarch, the heirs to the British throne, any other member of the royal family, or the family as a whole. It should certainly never be built around a strategy that effectively sets up Prince Charles as the focus of a negative campaign.”
Thursday 22 March 2018
REAL REPUBLIC PROPOSES REAL REFORMS
Meetings in Townsville today will be start of a process to give Australians a chance to have their say on proposals for a republic with a directly elected Head of State and other real reforms to the Constitution.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia group, David Muir, said the two Townsville meetings were an opportunity for people from all walks of life to drop in and hear proposals for Constitutional change and contribute their own ideas.
“We wanted to kick-start our planned series of local meetings in regional Australia and in Townsville because an Australian republic is not an issue for the so-called inner-city elites,” Mr Muir said.
Monday 19 March 2018
REAL REPUBLIC MEETINGS TO OUTLINE REAL REFORMS
Townsville will this week be the venue for the first in a series of public meetings pushing for an Australian republic with a directly elected Head of State and other real reforms to the Constitution including recognition of Indigenous Australians, recognition of local government, and cutting the number of Senators.
Chair of the Real Republic Australia group, David Muir, said two events had been organised for Thursday 22 March 2018 to give locals the best chance to have their say:
• 11am — Room 101 Building 17 Faculty of Science and Engineering at James Cook University campus
• 7pm — Rydges Hotel, 23 Palmer Street.
“The Real Republic recognises Australians want real reform not empty symbolism, and that means a directly elected Australian as our nation’s Head of State, not one chosen for them by politicians,” Mr Muir said.
Wednesday 7 March 2018
TOWNSVILLE HOSTS REAL REPUBLIC MEETING
Townsville has been chosen as the first venue for a series of public meetings pushing for an Australian republic with a directly elected Head of State and other real reforms.
Chair of the Real Republic group, David Muir, said two events had been organised in Townsville for Thursday 22 March 2018 to give locals the best chance to have their say.
“Events have been scheduled at the James Cook University’s Townsville campus during the day and at Rydges Hotel in the CBD in the evening so people can pick which one suits them best to attend,” Mr Muir said. “We are inviting locals to come and listen and to have their say on an Australian republic with an elected Head of State.”