CODE 2, VOL 29, NO 45 : 03 december 2015

Eureka Stockade Anniversary 3rd December

The 3rd of December is the anniversary of the attack by government troops on the 'Diggers' at the Eureka Stockade in 1854.

The government attacks were the result of Ballarat miners’ rebellion against government oppression and unfair treatment at the time.

The miners created the now iconic Eureka Southern Cross flag and swore an oath:

'We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.'

The historic events at Eureka stockade have been adopted by various groups over the years, as signifying amongst other things, the birth of our democracy, the independent Aussie spirit and our willingness to fight for our rights.

The message in the oath to stand by each other to defend our rights is one that has always been important to us.

We will never stop standing by each other and we will work as hard as we can to defend our hard fought and hard won employment terms and conditions.

 

John Oliver - State Secretary