Democratic Alternative
Information Service:
Constitutional Convention
Candidates Democratic Alternative
Information Service:
Constitutional Convention
Candidates
AUSTRALIAN REPUBLICAN MOVEMENT (NORTH QUEENSLAND)
TRESTON Bernie (Cairns)
WILLSHIRE Terry James (Townsville)
GEORGE Melissa (Magnetic
Island, Townsville)
ROSSI Bob (Gordonvale)
Candidate Statement: 
Available
at the Australian Electoral Commission web site.
THE CANDIDATES
Bernie Treston: Bernie was born and raised in North Queensland and is currently a Cairns based lawyer in his own legal practice. He was a partner in the firm of Macdonnells in Cairns for 25 years. Bernie is married with four children and has variously held positions as Executive Member of the Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Directors at the Cairns Penny Bank, Director of the Electricity Credit Union and on the Governing Board of the Calvary Hospital. Bernie has an interest in national and community affairs.
Terry Willshire has held the position as one of the conveners of the Townsville forum for over 2 years. Terry is a devout Republican with a demonstrated commitment to the movement over many years including as a founding member. As a draftsman Terry has worked in the public and private sectors in PNG and the Northern Territory. He and his wife Sue have been small business operators and currently run the Republic Hotel in South Townsville. Terry is heavily involved in the Variety Club, is a member of Rotary and has previously been a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a JP. Terry is a strong republican and his candidacy reflects a strong interest in Australian history, his interest in political and social matters and most importantly is a logical step forward from his political stand at the age of 7 in refusing to stand for the former National Anthem in movie theatres.
Melissa-Leigh George is the third candidate. Melissa is a young indigenous woman with 2 children and currently lives on Magnetic Island. She has been very involved with the trade union movement having held the position of Assistant Secretary of the Health Service Union Qld Branch for 2 years. Melissa has a breadth of experience working in Indigenous health organisations at an administrative and research level. Melissa recently attended the National Reconciliation convention in Melbourne earlier this year and represented the ACTU at the International Federation of Free Trade Unions in Cebu in the Philippines in 1996. Melissa is a committed Republican who believes that Australia should become a republic so that future generations can be proud of their Australia not England's Australia.
Bob Rossi is married with 6 children. A farmer by occupation, he currently resides near Gordonvale. Bob's father Robert Rossi came to Australia from Italy at about age 2 with his parents and became a successful cane farmer. Bob has served as Queensland President of the Parents and Citizen's Organisation, Federal Vice-President of the Australian Council of Public Schools and Deputy Chairman of the Mulgrave Mill Suppliers and is on the Committee of the Cairns and District Junior Rugby League. Bob is a member of the National Party and recently ran as a National Party candidate for local council. Bob also raises money for charity as a member of the Pyramid Race Committee and says he is a committed Republican who is concerned for the future of Australia.
PEOPLES CONVENTION ON THE REPUBLIC
Through courage, hard work and dedication to their country, Australians have made ours the best in the world. We have earned the right to insist on having an Australian as our Head of State.
The concept of a Monarchy is contrary to the Australian belief that we all have the opportunity to aspire to the highest levels in public life. Not one Australian has any say under the current system as to who our Head of State will be. It is an hereditary position which therefore takes no account of the person's level of understanding or ability to carry out the functions of the position in the best interests of Australia.
The North Queensland ARM team comprise a Lawyer, a Publican, a Health Worker and a Farmer. We also represent Aboriginal, Italian and Anglo Australian cultures. Between us we have lived and worked in various parts of Australia and believe that we understand the Australian culture. We are aware of the issues surrounding the Republic and are prepared to listen to the views of Queenslanders in general and North Queenslanders in particular.
We want to see an Australian as Head of State, a Resident for President and we want to see Australians stand up and be counted for a Republic.
There are many details, such as the method of electing a President which need to be discussed on the way to a Republic which reflects Australian attitudes, values and hopes for the future. The forum for these discussions is the Peoples Convention on the Republic.
We offer ourselves as candidates to the Convention and ask that you cast your vote in the manner suggested by the ARM to ensure that the views of true Australians are expressed at the Convention.
Bernie Treston,
Terry Willshire,
Melissa Leigh-George,
Bob Rossi,
Australian Republican Movement,
·=============== 
===============·
Authorised by Bernie Treston
Published by Ross Garrad, 3 November 1997