The National Republicans organisation was founded in 1990 in Melbourne, later establishing a branch in Sydney; however, no branches were formed in the other Australian states. Originally named the Australian Republican Movement, it changed its name to the National Republican Movement to avoid confusion with the media-predominant Australian Republican Movement (a pro-immigration, pro-multiculturalism organisation supported by various prominent Australians) which had coincidentally been established around the same time. The NRM later adjusted its title to the National Republicans [1].

The National Republicans were the first Australian nationalist organisation to actively promote a nativist philosophy, heavily pushing Australiana themes and iconography. They published works in favour of old-style socialists, such as W.G. Spence, William Lane, and Henry Lawson; and have described their movement as "The only true Australian Revolutionary Left organisation" (statement on the NR internet homepage). The organisation has centered its campaigns around republican, environmentalist, and anti-immigration issues [2].