MEDIA RELEASE

Rev Nile supports Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia

21st April 2008

Discussion of a possible revival of the campaign for republicanism in Australia is a waste of time and taxpayers’ money, according to Christian Democratic Party leader, Reverend the Hon Fred Nile LTh ED MLC.

“Media reports attribute to the “Summit” the suggestion that Australians would vote in two years' time on whether to replace the Queen as head of state.

‘Australia’s Head of State is the Governor-General, His Excellency Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC.  Australia’s next Head of State, from 5 September 2008, will be the present Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC.

‘Australia has been well served by twenty-four Governors-General, and we are entitled to express full confidence that their consistently high standard of service to the Australian people will be permanently upheld and maintained.

‘The freedoms we enjoy and the political stability which sets Australia apart from less fortunate nations have not come about by accident. We are reminded of the strengths of our constitutional arrangements when we see other systems giving rise to misery, confusion, national disunity and even dictatorship.

‘The Christian Democratic Party is wholeheartedly committed to preserving all the benefits of our Constitutional Monarchy.  We reject the aberrant concept of Australia as a republic, and we support the historic ties with the Crown enjoyed by the State of New South Wales.”

Rev Fred Nile has served in the NSW Upper House, the NSW Legislative Council since 1980, fro nearly 27 years. He has celebrated the Queen’s 82nd Birthday today at the NSW Parliament House, ACM lunch with Hon Alexander Downer MP as guest speaker.