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PODCAST · government

Talking Independence

by Evelyn Santoro

A podcast that explores republican sentiment among fellow Australians.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jan 6, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Dr Bronwyn Kelly on democracy

    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.

  2. Professor Jenny Hocking on the Palace letters

    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...

  3. Craig Foster on the Voice to Parliament referendum

    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.

  4. Adam Spencer on an Australian republic

    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.

  5. Sandy Biar on his time with the ARM

    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...

  6. Ruth McGowan on how women can help create a better Australia

    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.

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

    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,...

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

    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…

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

    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...

  10. Vic Alhadeff on human rights causes and a republic

    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…

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  11. Dr Meredith Doig on the Movement

    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....

  12. Sandy Biar on the swell in support for a republic

    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.

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

    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.

  14. Craig Foster on how supporters can mobilise together

    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...

  15. Kim Rubenstein on the role of women in the Australian Constitution

    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.

  16. Sandy Biar on the actions of the Governor-General

    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.

  17. Debbie Scholem on her vision for Australia

    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.

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

    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...

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

    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.

  20. Laurie Patton on being a vocal advocate for a republic

    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...

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

    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.

  22. Sandy Biar on the newly launched republic model

    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!

  23. Sandy Biar on how support for the republic continues to grow

    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…

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

    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...

  25. Miriam D’Souza on her Australian citizenship and a republic

    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...

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

    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…

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  27. Dr Benjamin T. Jones on republicanism and nationalism

    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…

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  28. Bodhi Hardinge on what's happening in Western Australia

    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.

  29. Achieving an Australian Republic with Madeleine King MP

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

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

    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…

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

    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...

  32. Rick Mitry on becoming an Australian republic from a legal perspective

    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...

  33. Tony Hockey on independence and an Australian republic

    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.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast that explores republican sentiment among fellow Australians.

HOSTED BY

Evelyn Santoro

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Talking Independence have?

Talking Independence currently has 33 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Talking Independence about?

A podcast that explores republican sentiment among fellow Australians.

How often does Talking Independence release new episodes?

Talking Independence has 33 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Talking Independence?

You can listen to Talking Independence on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Talking Independence?

Talking Independence is created and hosted by Evelyn Santoro.
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