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"The Commonwealth Games has been a great spectacle and many of us have
enjoyed watching Australia win so many events and dominate the medal tally, as
we seem to do at every Commonwealth Games these days.
It reminds us that
during the lead up to the 1999 referendum on the Australian Republic,
monarchists established a particular myth firmly in many Australians minds. It’s
the one that pretends that as a republic we won’t be able to continue to
participate in the Commonwealth Games.
Why do monarchists make up myths?
It may be because truth is the first casualty in any war and monarchists see
themselves as being at war. They see themselves as defending the crumbling
ramparts of the English monarchy and the remaining vestiges of the British
Commonwealth. They would love to be back in the days where the red of the
British Empire dominated the world map.
So, to counter any monarchist
misinformation and scare tactics, let the truth ring loud and clear on this
issue: Australia as a Republic could and would remain a member of the
Commonwealth and Australia could and would continue to dominate the medal tally
in any future Commonwealth Games after it becomes a proud Republic. Let’s look
at some facts.
Let’s repeat the facts. As a republic, Australia would
still be a member of the Commonwealth. As a republic, Australia would still be
able to participate in the Commonwealth Games and dominate the English and the
other Commonwealth teams. As a republic, Australia would continue to contribute
to any Commonwealth planning that may assist with the national security of
member states.
Myths, like monarchists, live in the past and, like
mushrooms, flourish in the dark. Let the facts shine in and drive away our
fears. Bring on the Republic — we’re ready!"
David Donovan
is the media director of the Australian Republican Movement and its Queensland
branch convenor. Major General Mike Keating AO has retired from service. He is
the chair of the Australian Republican Movement.