Philip Benwell
Philip Gordon James Benwell MBE | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Banker, activist, writer |
| Years active | Late 1960s–present |
| Known for | National Chairman of the Australian Monarchist League |
| Notable work | Australia ~ Our Country ~ Our Constitution ~ Our Governance (2016); A Very Public Affair: The Crown and the Australian Constitution (2014); In Defence of Australia's Constitutional Monarchy (2003) |
Philip Gordon James Benwell MBE is a staunch supporter of constitutional monarchy and has held the position of National Chairman for the Australian Monarchist League since its establishment in 1993.
Beginning his professional journey in banking from the late 1960s until the mid-1970s, Benwell simultaneously became active in the Liberal Party of Australia. He stood as a candidate for the New South Wales electorate of Heathcote and later for the Federal division of Hughes, where he was defeated by Labor representatives Rex Jackson and Les Johnson respectively. His significant contributions to banking and community service were recognized with the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during the 1976 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Benwell is widely recognized as a leading advocate for the Australian monarchy, having delivered speeches internationally, including at the House of Lords in London. He played an influential part in the 1999 Australian republic referendum and continues to be a prominent conservative figure championing constitutional monarchism within Australia.
Selected works
Benwell has written extensively on Australia's constitutional framework and the monarchy’s role, underscoring his commitment to preserving the Crown’s significance in governance:
- Australia ~ Our Country ~ Our Constitution ~ Our Governance (2016)
- A Very Public Affair: The Crown and the Australian Constitution (2014)
- In Defence of Australia's Constitutional Monarchy (2003)