# Not My King

'But us Aussies are still girt by monarchy'. 

What a great line from Sammy J channeling Banjo Paterson. Always spot on. 

Second Elizabethan reign comes to an end

 

The Australian Republic Movement was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth, and acknowledges the significant contribution she made over more than seven decades as Head of State to Australia and 14 other nations.

Many Australians have known no other Head of State – the length of her reign was unrivalled. As monarch, Queen Elizabeth was a patron of more than 600 organisations and served them admirably. She rose to become a respected representative of Britain and the Commonwealth.

 

Queen Elizabeth respected the self-determination of the Australian people. During her reign the Australia Act 1986 was passed eliminating many of the remaining opportunities for UK interference in Australian government. Appeals from Australian courts to British courts were abolished.

 

The Queen backed the right of Australians to become a fully independent nation during the referendum on an Australian republic in 1999, saying that she has "always made it clear that the future of the Monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means.”

 

It’s appropriate that Australians now take some time to reflect on the life and contribution of Queen Elizabeth II and pay appropriate respect to that. We too as a campaign will be taking some time to acknowledge her contribution. It is unlikely Australia will ever have a monarch as respected or admired by the Australian people again.

 

The Australian Republic Movement has always campaigned for an Australian Head of State, chosen by Australians. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the inevitable succession of Charles as King of Australia means Australians have been denied that choice once again.