National Women’s Media Centre welcomes new Republican Women’s Network
The National Women’s Media Centre has pledged its support for a new group of prominent Australian women to campaign for an Australian republic.
NWMC Spokeswoman Helen Leonard welcomed the formation of Republican Women’s Network - a national organisation aiming to engage women of all backgrounds in the ongoing debate about an Australian republic.
The Republican Women’s Network is being launched on International Women’s Day.
Among others pledging support were the Chancellor of the University of Canberra, Wendy McCarthy, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Susan Halliday and Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Cheryl Moon.
Ms Leonard said the republic was a key issue for women in the new millennium.
"Women were far less supportive than men in the 1999 referendum for the republic," Ms Leonard said.
"The next campaign must explain to women the benefits of a republic.
"The Republican Women’s Network is the first step in that direction," she said.
NWMC Queensland spokeswoman Vivienne Wynter said many Australian women were not aware of the benefits to women from Federation and were unaware of the potential benefits for women in a republic.
"Australian women got the vote and the right to stand for national parliament with Federation," Ms Wynter said.
"Similarly, the NWMC feels sure that the national status of women would rise in a republic.
"The constitutional monarchy privileges upper and middle class men in terms of access to everything from property ownership to occupancy of the highest levels of governance.
"Australian women need to realise that a republic would mean a fairer go for all Australians."
"Maximum participation by women in the debate would go a long way to ensuring that the model eventually chosen is the right one for all Australians."
7 March 2001
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Last modified: November 04, 2003