Packer gives $250,000 to Aust republicans

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

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

Mr FitzSimons said Mr Packer was "arguably the biggest recruit to republican ranks" since Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who led the movement 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.