IN the 21st century it is simply not applicable that Australia’s head of state is a person in an English palace, republican activist Peter FitzSimons said in Bathurst on Monday night.
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The well-known journalist, author and sportsman, who is also the head of the Australia Republican Movement, was invited to hold a public forum in the city by Bathurst Councillor Jess Jennings.
Following his presentation on the republican movement, Mr FitzSimons then held a question and answer session for the 160-person strong crowd.
While it was “applicable” to have a British head of state before Australia’s federation, he said this is no longer the case.
“In the 21st century, Australia is [too much of] a sophisticated and mature and multi-cultural nation than to have a head of state from one family living in a palace in England,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on egalitarianism that no person is born better than the next.”
He also questioned the appeal of Prince Charles and whether, if it was up to an election, he would be in such a position of authority.
“I am not positive he would be elected the mayor of the Black Stump,” he said.
“But he is not far off being the next King of Australia.”
At the end of his talk, Mr FitzSimons asked who would not be in favour of an Australian republic – to which he says only three people raised their hands.
Peel resident Bruce Andrews attended the forum and said he was surprised and pleased by the strength and sentiment of the Bathurst audience.
“Peter FitzSimons was certainly a very engaging and entertaining speaker who humorously wove facts, perspectives and anecdotes across a range of topics to advance the case for Australia’s transition to a republic,” he said.
“I’m optimistic that with his vigorous impassioned leadership, the timing and process of carrying the Australian populace to a republic will finally succeed in the decade ahead.”
Mr FitzSimons said that an Australian republic is inevitable and predicts it will happen in the next five or six years.
“Goodwill is not enough, we need your active engagement ... we simply have to get up off the couch,” he said of the need for people to stand up and have their say.
A republican himself, Cr Jennings said Mr Fitz- Simons presented a well-informed argument for why Australian should become a republic.
“It’s winning the hearts and minds, rather than just the technical issues,” he said.
