Talking Independence

Join us as we chat to Dr Bronwyn Kelly, founder of Australian Community Futures Planning, author and experienced strategic planner. Dr Kelly was an Honorary Professional Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney in the Institute for Public Policy and Governance from 2014 to 2021.

Join us as we speak to Professor Jenny Hocking: the woman who led and won the battle for the National Archives of Australia to release the “Palace letters” about the dismissal of Gough Whitlam in 1975. The letters not only revealed far more royal involvement in Australian politics than Professor Hocking had imagined, with her book The Palace Letters is described as a detective story and courtroom drama with political intrigue and a royal cover-up. And yes, it’s non-fiction.

Tune in to hear Craig Foster, Co-Chair of the ARM, as we talk through the Voice to Parliament referendum, catching up with multicultural community leaders and what we can do individually to further the republican cause.

Today we speak to Adam Spencer: a comedian, writer and presenter. We all know him from Triple J, Good News Week and The Drum – but he's also a General Executive Member of the Australian Republic Movement’s National Committee.

Join us as we say goodbye to Australian Republic Movement National Director & CEO, Sandy Biar, who over the last seven years has seen tremendous change in the Australian republic landscape nationally. We spoke to him before he wrapped up his work for the ARM - let's delve into what he's seen and where we're headed!

Today we speak to the fabulous Ruth McGowan, a fierce advocator for women in politics. Ruth gives us her perspective on how women can shape successful movements for a better Australia.

Andrew Fraser is a former journalist who was Queensland bureau chief of a national newspaper and a member of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery during the Hawke-Keating era. He was a political adviser and speechwriter to several Queensland governments. Today he’s the ARM QLD Branch Convenor, and says: "To get specifically onto the subject of the republic, in 1999, Queensland had the worst result. 37.5%. Yes. I think probably the main reason was that it was actually seen as a trendy lefty Sydney, Melbourne thing…" Today, Queensland is sporting a very different outlook. Hear about what’s on the horizon for the sunshine state… To contact Andrew Fraser regarding the campaign in Queensland please email [email protected]

Born and bred in the inner-Melbourne suburb of St Kilda, Paulie Stewart is an original member of infamous Melbourne punk band Painters and Dockers. Inducted into The Age Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, the group released seven albums and performed more than 1800 live shows throughout Australia, New Zealand and North and South America. They are still performing and have played with Iggy Pop, The Monkees, Billy Idol, The Cramps and The Easybeats. Paulie has campaigned for East Timor’s independence for over 30 years, and feels it’s time to campaign for Australian independence back home.

Michael Sheldrick is a policy entrepreneur and Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer for Global Citizen. He leads Global Citizen’s campaigns to rally support from governments, businesses and foundations to get the world on track to end extreme poverty. Michael has worked on campaigns globally with artists such as Beyoncé, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, as well as and world leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and former Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. He tells us about his very strong British roots and why he supports an Australian republic.

Vic Alhadeff has dedicated his career to championing human rights causes. Listen in on this inspirational episode as we hear about Vic's experiences in apartheid South Africa, his personal despairing history with the Holocaust and how that has led to a life of advocacy. Vic is often asked to visit high schools and give talks on racism and anti-Semitism. He has received the NSW Premier’s Award for his contribution to civil society and dedicates his time to trying to achieve understanding, inclusivity and social harmony. He believes becoming an Australian republic is a solid way to achieve just that.