Aussie republicans unite

Ten years ago, as the republic debate raged in Australia, supporters of a republic divided into two camps. Direct election republicans, hoping for a second referendum, sided with monarchists and doomed the republic referendum to defeat. Despite claims by monarchists that the referendum's defeat, by a marginal 4.5%, was an affirmation of support for the monarchy, the reality is Australians voted against the model on offer.

Thankfully, our cousins across the Tasman Sea have learned from the experience. news.com.au reports that the "Coalition of Australian Republicans" has been formed, consisting mainly of two groups - the Australian Republican Movement, who were pro-parliamentary election at the 1999 referendum, Real Republic, who were pro-direct election and other niche groups such as Women for an Australian Republic, the Copernican Republicans, the Foundation for Constitutional Renewal, Patriots for the Australian Republic, Republic Now! and the Republican Party of Australia.

They have agreed on the following principles:

• The Australian people must select the republican model to be put to a referendum.
• The people should be able to vote on several options to decide which model should be put to a referendum.
• We should not wait until the death or abdication of the Queen but should determine our own timetable to discuss our own future.
• Our state and federal representatives should swear allegiance to Australia and her people, not the British Crown.

These principles represent a significant move forward for republicanism in Australia.