For immediate release
New Reconciliation Party Convenes Via the Internet
ARP membership drive in readiness for Federal election
25 January 2001 - The Australian Reconciliation Party (ARP), the country's
newest political entity, has launched itself to the Australian public, in
time for consideration at the next Federal election. Tapping into the
current mood of reconciliation across the country, the ARP is appealing for
Australians to make their mark by becoming members of the party.
The ARP is the result of a 'grassroots' movement of Australians dedicated
to promoting reconciliation. The party is in the early stages of
establishment, seeking to secure 500 founding members to enable
registration with the Australian Electoral Commission. The ARP will field
Senate candidates to be named in the near future.
"Our aim is to get indigenous voices into the Australian Senate where they
will be free to promote genuine reconciliation without the familiar
constraints of party politics," said Ms. Davina Woods, a party spokesperson.
"Reconciliation is the target we reach through legislation that is just -
on employment, education and training, health and a greater focus on the
infrastructure concerns of those Australians who do not live within the
metropolitan areas of our vast nation," Davina said.
"Australians have made it clear they are ready to do something about
reconciliation, impatient with the way the issue has become stalled at the
Federal Government level. Membership of the ARP - securing Senate access
for indigenous men and women - will be a way of ensuring that this country
moves forward in a purposeful direction."
Established over the Internet, with indigenous and non- indigenous members
conducting on-line nationwide discussion, the ARP has begun to open up the
issue of reconciliation to accommodate a wide cross-section of views.
In addition to its website where membership forms are available for
downloading, www.songlines.org.au/arp/forms/reconparty3.html, the ARP is in
the process of establishing a bricks-and-mortar campaign office where
members and information-seekers may meet.
"Obviously not everyone with an interest in reconciliation has access to
the Internet. However our members can act as conduits, sharing information
in their community and then reporting back to the group via on-line
forums. The quality of debate has been very high, informed by the growing
acceptance of reconciliation as a matter of national interest," said Mr.
Bruce Reyburn who has been a driving force behind the party.
For more information consult the Internet site:
www.songlines.org.au/arp/ or the contact details below.
General enquiries
The Australian Reconciliation Party Secretary, PO Box 658, Newport Beach,
NSW, 2106, Australia
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Media enquiries
Mr. Bruce Reyburn
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Telephone: 02 4267 5949
Ms. Davina Woods
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Telephone: 03 9308 8364
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