Critical Times

On Friday March 27, around 40 people met at the Migration Museum Chapel in the city to launch the “Spirit of Eureka Committee – Adelaide” and the “Eureka Charter”. The “Spirit of Eureka Committee” in Melbourne has been in existence for 5 years, since 2004, the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade. Last year, November 28th, the Melbourne Committee launched its Eureka Charter this being the motivator for the “Spirit of Eureka Committee – Adelaide” (SoE) to form. The Charter with its 24 points calls for A Just, Democratic and Sovereign Australia.

Speaking about justice

At the speakers table draped with Aboriginal and Eureka flags, 3 excellent speakers gave a series of challenging speeches that were well received by the audience. Bob Briton, the Launch MC, started off the evening with acknowledgment of country to the Kaurna People, the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains, then introduced the speakers who each spoke around the theme of Rights and liberties!

Karranjal John Hartley, Musician and Activists, gave a powerful speech about the effects of colonisation, dispossession and attempted destruction of Aboriginal Society and Culture. His historical analysis was not only moving but also cogently pointed to the fact that any attempt to establish a sovereign republic must logically include and acknowledge the sovereignty of Indigenous Australia.

Derek Burke, preparatory SoE committee member, spoke briefly of the origins of the Eureka Charter, the objectives of the Spirit of Eureka, activities undertaken so far, and announced that the SoE is looking for Adelaide sponsors and invited the audience to join the supporters contact list.

Michael Williss, Australian Education Union (SA) Research Officer, with the use of a PowerPoint presentation spoke on the significance of Eureka. In giving the historical background and reasons for the Eureka Stockade, he covered such issues as the: huge wave of multi-ethnic migration to the Victorian goldfields; the excessive taxation of the miners by the Crown and the pastoral/merchant class; the battle, the Eureka Trial of the 13 accused of treason and their acquittal; and the historical legacy that Eureka has made on Australia.

Martin O’Malley, Construction Forestry Mining and Engineering Union (SA) Secretary, presented a passionate speech about the role of the Australian Building Construction Commission to crush legitimate building workers’ union activity. He outlined the draconian scope of the ABCC powers and stressed the importance of continuing the struggle against this pernicious authority. In particular he criticised the Minister for Industrial Relations, Julia Gillard, for continuing the reactionary policies of the previous Howard Government. Martin pointed out that the reactionary measures of the anti-terrorist laws, Northern Territory Indigenous Intervention, anti-bikie legislation, and the law and order sabre rattling are no coincidence and portend the curtailment of people’s rights and liberties in the upheavals to come in the future.

Atmosphere of Solidarity

Bob Briton wrapped up the evening by inviting people to stay in touch with the SoE Committee (Adelaide). He pointed out that the Adelaide Committee will be submitting to the National Consultative Committee on the Bill of Rights its own recommendations for a Bill of Rights using the Eureka Charter as its basis. The evening finished with people mingling around for refreshments and a positive atmosphere for the future potential of the Eureka Charter!