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New Reconciliation Party Convenes Via the Internet
ARP membership drive in readiness for Federal election

25 January 2001 - APR - Media release - 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, 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: arp@songlines.org.au

Media enquiries:
Mr. Bruce Reyburn
Telephone: 02 4267 5949
E-mail:reyburn@mpx.com.au

Ms. Davina Woods:
Telephone: 03 9308 8364
E-mail: davinaw@optusnet.com.au

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