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Talking Independence

35 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago -

A podcast that explores republican sentiment among fellow Australians.

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Episodes

Dr Bronwyn Kelly on democracy

October 09, 2023 06:23 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MB

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.

Professor Jenny Hocking on the Palace letters

September 10, 2023 19:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

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.

Craig Foster on the Voice to Parliament referendum

August 09, 2023 23:46 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

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.

Adam Spencer on an Australian republic

August 02, 2023 00:25 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

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.

Sandy Biar on his time with the ARM

July 10, 2023 06:07 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

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!

Wendy Le Cornu on the campaign in Tasmania

May 29, 2023 01:31 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Join us as we chat to Convenor for the Tasmanian Branch of the ARM, Wendy Le Cornu. Wendy takes us through what's been happening in Tasmania, welcoming new members and organising events. We also speak about the recent launch of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for an Australian Republic in the Tasmanian Parliament.

Ruth McGowan on how women can help create a better Australia

May 10, 2023 01:52 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MB

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.

Alita Brydon on how we can all get involved in the campaign

April 06, 2023 02:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

Alita Brydon is best known for her work on social media and as a viral content creator. She uses humour and storytelling to change culture using Facebook and Instagram. She is a freelance writer and spokesperson. Her goal is to empower people and grow communities using the internet. In this episode she gives great tips and insights into how we can all get involved and create a swell of support via the digital world.

Andrew Fraser on what’s on the horizon for the sunshine state

March 23, 2023 01:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

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 left...

Paulie Stewart on why it’s time to campaign for independence

March 16, 2023 03:29 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

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 inde...

Michael Sheldrick on his British roots and why he supports an Australian republic

February 21, 2023 01:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

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 ...

Vic Alhadeff on human rights causes and a republic

January 31, 2023 02:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MB

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, incl...

Dr Meredith Doig on the Movement

January 17, 2023 02:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

Dr Meredith Doig has been a professional company director with appointments to commercial, government and not-for-profit boards for 25 years. Apart from her professional career, Dr Doig has been a long-time community activist, lobbying on issues ranging from social equity to corporate governance. She is also the current Senior Deputy Chair of the Australian Republic Movement.

Sandy Biar on the swell in support for a republic

December 19, 2022 01:15 - 8 minutes - 7.86 MB

A great end of year message from Sandy Biar, National Director & CEO of the Australian Republic Movement. Sandy outlines the highlights of 2022 and the mammoth year ahead of us, as we see a swell in support for a republic across communities.

Senator Lidia Thorpe on a republic, racism and what sovereignty really means for First Nations Australians

December 12, 2022 01:25 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

Today we speak to Senator Lidia Thorpe, a proud DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, who is also a human rights, climate, and forest activist. Senator Thorpe is the Greens spokesperson for a republic, and talks about racism and what sovereignty really means for First Nations Australians.

Craig Foster on how supporters can mobilise together

November 03, 2022 00:30 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

Craig Foster AM has become one of Australia’s most respected sports people as a broadcaster, social justice advocate and human rights campaigner. He was recently elected to the ARM National Committee, after many years of strong republican support outside of the organisation. Hear about how supporters can mobilise together in this new chapter of the republican movement.

Kim Rubenstein on the role of women in the Australian Constitution

October 11, 2022 04:20 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MB

Professor Kim Rubenstein, constitutional lawyer and activist for gender equality, leads us through the history and the role of women in the Australian Constitution, and her own role in constructing the ARM's Australian Choice Model.

Sandy Biar on the actions of the Governor-General

September 01, 2022 23:30 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

National Director and CEO of the Australian Republic Movement, Sandy Biar, speaks to us about our great momentum; the new Assistant Minister for the Republic; the road to the referendum; and the opaque actions of the Governor-General, also known as the Morrison saga.

Debbie Scholem on her vision for Australia

June 17, 2022 00:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

From the arts to politics: today we speak to Debbie Scholem, a former professional freelance violinist for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Now in retirement, Debbie is dedicating her energy on her vision for Australia by advocating for a republic.

Franca Arena on being the first woman of non-English speaking background to be elected to an Australian parliament

May 19, 2022 00:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MB

Join us as we chat to Franca Arena. At 84 she gives us her passionate account on being the first woman of non-English speaking background to be elected to an Australian parliament. A pioneer of the Australian Republic Movement, Franca got the ball rolling with her friend Faith Bandler, along with Neville Wran, Tom Keneally and Malcolm Turnbull. In 1991 the ARM is born!

Simon Palomares on ‘Wogs out of Work’, the many facets of our society and the power of transforming racial slurs

April 21, 2022 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Today we chat to republic supporter Simon Palomares. Join us as we chat about one of the most popular comedic theatre productions in Australian history, ‘Wogs out of Work’, the many facets of our society, and the power of transforming racial slurs.

Laurie Patton on being a vocal advocate for a republic

March 11, 2022 00:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Today we have Laurie Patton. Ahead of his time, Laurie was an early advocate in the 90s for better broadband technology, when it was deemed an unnecessary feature. Following a successful career spanning politics, media and technology, (including a series of senior executive roles at the Seven Network), Laurie Patton takes us on his next visionary mission, as a vocal advocate for an Australian republic.

Rod Little on the republic model and what it means for Australians

February 22, 2022 05:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

Today we chat to Mr Rod Little, former Co-chair and Director of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples and Chairperson of the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. Join us as we discuss the republic model, and what it means for all Australians.

Sandy Biar on the newly launched republic model

February 11, 2022 02:00 - 9 minutes - 9.07 MB

Our first episode for 2022 – Sandy Biar, National Director and CEO of the Australian Republic Movement, takes us through the newly launched republic model and the exciting opportunity facing all Australians. Tune in to hear all about an Australian Choice!

Sandy Biar on how support for the republic continues to grow

December 01, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MB

This episode we talk to Sandy Biar, CEO of the Australian Republic Movement. Sandy takes us through his fantastic trajectory of over a decade of political campaign experience, particularly with the ARM. Sandy explores how support for the republic has increased recently and prepares us for exciting news in the coming months. Get ready friends, it's time!

Deborah Crossing on the important role women have in creating a new chapter in Australia’s history

November 24, 2021 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.29 MB

Join us as Deborah Crossing, National Women’s Convenor (ARM), explains the unique and important role women have in creating a new chapter in Australia’s history. Deborah speaks to us from South Australia, as she looks to empower members and supporters to be active in whatever capacity they feel able to do. Deborah started her career as a science/maths teacher. She then moved into various roles in not-for-profit organisations and public service in the areas of science, engineering, health, ac...

Miriam D’Souza on her Australian citizenship and a republic

November 17, 2021 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.3 MB

Miriam D’Souza tells her tale of Australian citizenship, after arriving from the UK and realising she was swearing allegiance to the head of state of the place she'd just left a few years earlier. Miriam has over 25 years of experience advising on a wide range of major projects in Australian infrastructure, mining, waste and water sectors. She has been an avid republican for just as long.

Graham Smith on how his time in Australia helped shape his republican views

November 10, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

Today we talk to Graham Smith, CEO of the UK Republic Movement. Since 2005, Graham has advocated tirelessly for an independent republic in Britain by abolishing the monarchy. He has written countless articles and is the official spokesperson for Republic UK. Graham holds dual British and Australian citizenship. Join us as we walk through Graham’s perspective, and how his time in Australia helped shape his republican views.

Dr Benjamin T. Jones on republicanism and nationalism

September 23, 2021 00:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Join us as we chat to renowned author and academic Dr Benjamin T. Jones, a recognised expert on republicanism and nationalism, and Australian social and political history. His books include 'This Time', 'Republicanism and Responsible Government' and 'Project Republic'. Listen to his lively chat on how even in the 1860s, British sentiment was that Australia was to become a republic in the next few years… so what happened?

Bodhi Hardinge on what's happening in Western Australia

August 26, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 9.29 MB

What’s happening in Western Australia? Join us as we chat to Bodhi Hardinge, WA Branch Convenor for the Australian Republic Movement. Bodhi is a consultant at a leading climate change and energy firm, and is passionate about the equality and sustainability of Australia.

Achieving an Australian Republic with Madeleine King MP

July 28, 2021 02:55 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

With thanks to Emeritus Professor Stephen Powles for organising this event.

Daisy Turnbull on broaching social topics with children and how current affairs shape their views

July 22, 2021 00:00 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MB

How should we broach social topics with children? How do current affairs today shape their views as adults in the future? Join us as we chat to Daisy Turnbull, NSW Branch Representative for the Australian Republic Movement. Daisy is an educator and director of wellbeing at St Catherine’s School in Sydney. She’s also a mum-of-two and author of '50 Risks to Take With Your Kids'.

Anna Walker on what’s happening in the youth space and common views held among young Australians

June 22, 2021 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

Evelyn Santoro is a keen communicator. Born in Sydney, Evelyn speaks four languages having lived abroad working as a freelance writer/editor. Immersed in the not-for-profit community sector for the last 15 years, she has travelled across the country interviewing people (often marginalised and vulnerable in society), developing photoshoots, TV ads and social media clips to promote awareness around foster care, early intervention programs, disability services and lobbying state and federal gov...

Rick Mitry on becoming an Australian republic from a legal perspective

May 24, 2021 02:40 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Rick Mitry has practised since 1978 as a barrister and solicitor. The areas of his practice have included commercial litigation, private international law and litigation, criminal law, and representative proceedings. He leads the pro bono arm of Mitry Lawyers. After serving as Vice-President for three years, he is currently President of the Toongabbie Legal Centre in Western Sydney, which provides pro bono work to those who otherwise would be denied access to justice. He has remained active ...

Tony Hockey on independence and an Australian republic

April 23, 2021 05:12 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

Evelyn Santoro speaks with Tony Hockey. Tony Hockey is the NSW Branch Convenor of the Australian Republic Movement and a passionate supporter of the ARM cause since the mid-1990s. Tony established the ARM North Shore forum and, while living in the UK, the ARM London forum in 2015.