Royals visit a stark reminder to break the shackles of colonial legacy

2024-10-21

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for the Republic, has commented on the arrival of the British monarchy to Australia, ahead of the Prime Minister’s parliamentary reception scheduled today. 

Quotes attributable to Senator Faruqi: 

‘It will come as no surprise that I will not be participating in any pomp and ceremony celebrating the monarchy, but I’d be happy to go to the airport to wish them a final goodbye in the hope that this is the last time the crown visits this country as rulers.

“Anthony Albanese and Labor may have given up on Australia becoming a Republic, like they have given up on tackling the climate crisis, the housing and rental crisis and justice for First Nations, but the Greens will keep fighting. 

“The truth is, racism and colonialism are intertwined; and the monarchy symbolises an era that should be left behind for good, not celebrated.

“Preserving the British monarchy is to preserve white supremacy and the systemic racist structures that were built by the Empire and persist today.

"It's time for Australia to embrace a Republic rooted in decolonisation and sovereignty for First Nations—a crucial step towards racial justice, truth telling and treaty."