The fight for rights and recognition by groups under siege continues 161 years after the Eureka Rebellion.
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The events of December 3, 1854, were commemorated at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka on Thursday morning.
Former national disability commissioner Graeme Innes described the rebellion as the “cradle of our democracy” that still informed parts of our political system despite the current culture of realpolitik.
“I think that most politicians go in to parliament with the intention of contributing to our democratic process and continuing our democratic process,” he said.
“I think sometimes that intent gets derailed by a whole lot of other issues, but I think underneath there is a strong flavour of our Australian democracy.”
“The trick for me is how we ensure that younger Australians and Australians on the margins, of Muslim faith, people with disabilities, people in other disadvantaged groups, we make sure they continue to be engaged with our democratic process.”
Mr Innes’ speech at MADE formed the backbone of the nation’s commemoration.
It was broadcast at Federation Square in Melbourne and the Museum for Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Amid the clarity over the impact of the rebellion over the licence fee and lack of representation in the colonial government, there is still some uncertainty over the events of the battle itself.
Estimates of the number of diggers that died in the early morning fight 161 years ago range from a firm 27 to ‘30-odd’ or even as many as 60, and there is still conflict over the actual site of the stockade built by the Ballarat Reform League.
MADE – which Director Jane Smith says is definitely on the stockade grounds – has become a centre for Eureka commemoration and celebration in recent years, putting on a big program for the 160th anniversary, and on Thursday director Jane Smith paid tribute to the diggers that fought and died that morning.
The events will continue on the weekend, with discussion on Eureka and its place in Australian history.
Eureka’s Children president Eric Howard will present the Peter Tobin address on Sunday morning and then the documentary based on Tony Smith’s book Death or Liberty will have its premiere later in the day, with music from former Weddings Parties Anything frontman Mick Thomas.
alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au
