Page 210 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 8 December 2004

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Question so resolved in the affirmative.

Original question put:

That Mr Stefaniak’s motion be agreed to.

The Assembly voted—

Question so resolved in the negative.

Eureka Stockade—150th anniversary

MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (5.55): Mr Speaker, I move:

That this Assembly:

(1) congratulates the Stanhope Labor Government on its initiative to fly the Eureka flag over Canberra to mark the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade;

(2) recognises the significance of the events of Eureka to the development of Australian democracy and the enduring relevance of discussion and debate about the foundations and process of our democracy;

(3) expresses its disappointment with the Federal Government’s lack of willingness to engage with the ongoing debate about such a significant point in Australian history; and

(4) calls for the ACT Government to ensure the continuing future commemoration of the Eureka Stockade in the ACT with the introduction of a calendar note from 2004.

Mr Speaker, the Eureka Stockade of 3 December 1854 was a significant event in the history of our nation. When the miners of Ballarat organised themselves in response to the harsh, unjust and unaccountable treatment meted out to them by the colonial administration, they set in train the vigour and the passion that remain inherent in Australian democracy and, indeed, in the democratic institutions of our territory.

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