Greens Leader Bob Brown will introduce a bill into the Senate today that will allow a plebiscite to be held at the next election on support for an Australian republic.
"The Greens first called for a simple 'Yes or No' vote on Australia becoming a republic back in 1998," Senator Brown said.

"The Bill I've introduced today allows for a simple vote at the next federal election on whether Australians would like one of their own as head of state."
"This is a golden opportunity for Prime Minister Rudd to push ahead with a republic - I hope it attracts his support and that of the Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull."

"I look forward to the Government allowing my private member's bill to be debated early in the New Year."

Excerpt from Second Reading Speech.

"This Bill provides for a plebiscite to be held to give the Australian people the opportunity to vote on whether Australia should be a republic. The Bill sets out one simple question: Do you support Australia becoming a republic? It requires a simple yes or no response.
The Bill sets out provisions for a plebiscite or advisory referendum. The purpose of the plebiscite is to determine the will of the Australian people on this question with a simple majority. Its purpose is not to change the Constitution, but rather to ascertain the will of the Australian community on the republic question as the first step in the process. If there is not majority support for a republic, the question is decided clearly and without confusion. If the majority supports Australia becoming a republic, the specific details of the most suitable model to adopt can then be worked out in a context of that certainty.

The question set out in this Bill determines if Australians want an Australian as head of state? It does not attempt to determine what model should be adopted, what powers the head of state should hold or other operational or governance issues. "

For further information, contact Russell Kelly on 0438 376 082