Director of the Australian Republican Movement, Michael Cooney, says there is growing support for a republic at a grassroots level.

Mr Cooney tells Chris Kenny the best way to determine how the Australian head of state should be chosen is by asking the Australian people.

“We need to let the people make clear to the parliament that they want an Australian head of state.

“You can’t say that your fundamental values are a fair go and mateship and also support an inherited head of state. That flies in the face of every great Australian value.”

Mr Cooney says the Republican campaign has to be inclusive and patriotic to win over middle Australia.

“It’s got to be an inclusive, patriotic, democratic campaign. The most important person in our movement is the next person to join.”

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