AAP General News (Australia)
12-22-2003
Fed: Monarchist surprised Aussies don't know who GG is
CANBERRA, Dec 22 AAP - A leading monarchist today said she was surprised only two per
cent of Australians knew the name of the governor-general.
A Newspoll published in News Limited newspapers today showed 87 per cent of Australians
did not know Michael Jeffery was governor-general of Australia.
Five per cent of Australians had some recollection of his surname, and two per cent
could correctly name him.
Only one per cent of monarchists know Maj-Gen Jeffery's full name and only six per
cent of monarchists knew his surname.
Australians For a Constitutional Monarchy executive director Kerry Jones said she was
surprised Australians didn't know who Maj-Gen Jeffery was, but they would soon get to
know him.
"I'm quite surprised, because I think he's been doing a terrific job in the very short
time of course he's been in the job," Mrs Jones told the Nine Network.
"I'm sure as he goes on playing his very important roles every day, very important
duties, both ceremonial and state, I'm sure everybody will get to know him."
Mrs Jones said an education program to be launched by her organisation next year would
help Australians understand the role played by the governor-general and by state governors.
She said monarchists were ready to fight Labor leader Mark Latham's plan to reopen
the debate on Australia becoming a republic.
"I don't think anyone wants to change Australia," Mrs Jones said.
"I think the `if it ain't broke, don't fix it argument' was very strong.
"But the onus is now on us to get education about our governor-general out there."
Maj-Gen Jeffery was sworn in as Governor-General in August, following the resignation
of Peter Hollingworth who was criticised over his handling of sexual abuse allegations
in the Anglican church when he was Archbishop of Brisbane.
AAP pj/maur/br
KEYWORD: JEFFERY MONARCHISTS
2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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