Sydney, Toronto, Wellington, London - April 7, 2005

Four leading republican organizations from around the world today launched Common Cause, an alliance of Commonwealth republican movements. In a move that's certain to strengthen the campaign in each country, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM), Citizens for a Canadian Republic (CCR), the Republican Movement of Aotearoa New Zealand (RMANZ) and Republic in the UK have formed the new alliance to share information, ideas and resources.

Common Cause is open to any republican movement within the Commonwealth and is committed to the ideals of democracy and equality in each member's national constitutions. Reflecting their distinctive political and constitutional circumstances, each of the organizations in Common Cause will retain their autonomous national campaigns while sharing resources and ideas to bring about their common goal.

Allison Henry, National Director of the ARM said today, "This is an exciting development for the republican movements in each of our countries. Common Cause demonstrates that the campaign for democratic Heads of State is no longer just an Australian issue; many countries in the Commonwealth are questioning the future of the monarchy."

"Recent polls show fewer Canadians than ever before want to retain the monarchy," said CCR National Director Tom Freda. "This historic alliance will contribute greatly towards helping us promote an option more in keeping with our values and status as an independent nation. We look forward to working closely with our counterparts within this new international initiative."

In New Zealand, RMANZ President Dave Guerin commented, "This is the first time all of the major republic movements within the Commonwealth have come together in this way. By working together we are confident we can demonstrate the strength of common feeling there is in favour of a democratic alternative to the monarchy."

Republic's Campaign Coordinator Graham Smith added, "Recent developments have highlighted that the prospect of a future King Charles is a cause of concern in many Commonwealth countries. This concern is reflected today in the launch of Common Cause."