Private member's bill in the Senate

The way has opened for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to commit to a plebiscite by 2010 on whether Australia should become a Republic, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

"One year after the 2020 Summit called for a plebiscite on whether Australia should become a Republic it is time for Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to take action," Senator Brown said.

"Mr Rudd is beautifully placed to take the Republic debate down off the shelf and put it to the Australian public. Minister Bob Debus led the Summit call for the plebiscite to happen within two years and time is right for Prime Ministerial action."

"I have introduced a bill to the Senate which gives the Australian people the opportunity to answer one question: Do you support Australia becoming a Republic? It requires a simple yes or no response. Its purpose is to ascertain the will of the Australian community on the Republic question as the first step in the process," Senator Brown said.

"It is reported that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will announce the government's response to the 2020 Summit tomorrow. Mr Rudd should commit to bringing the Plebiscite For An Australian Republic Bill 2008 to a vote in the Parliament in the coming months.

Senator Brown's bill has been referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration committee for inquiry and there will be a public hearing in Canberra on 29th April 2009, in committee room 2S1.