James Packer donates $250,000 to Australian Republican Movement

Billionaire James Packer has donated $250,000 to the Australian Republican Movement this year.

The money was paid in two installments by the gaming mogul, ARM chairman Peter FitzSimons said in a statement thanking Mr Packer on Friday.

It is believed $50,000 came from entity owned by the gaming magnate, while the remaining $200,000 was donated from his personal funds.

Mr FitzSimons said Mr Packer was "arguably the biggest recruit to republican ranks" since founding member and former chairman Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who chipped in $3 million ahead of the failed 1999 referendum.

"With James' support, we have the potential to galvanise our fellow Australians and break this campaign wide open," he said.

The Australian Republican Movement wants a plebiscite on the republic by 2020, to be followed by a referendum if the initial vote is successful.

News break – September 10