Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that 3 December 2017 marked 163 years since the Eureka Stockade rebellion of 1854;

(b) recognises the Eureka Stockade as the birthplace of the Australian spirit of mateship signified by the term 'diggers', a term which was later adopted by Anzac soldiers in World War I;

(c) further notes that the Eureka Stockade signified a victory of self-reliant individuals over big government, corruption, arbitrary licensing and excessive taxation;

(d) rejects the attempt by some unions to rewrite history and usurp the Southern Cross or Eureka flag and rebellion as representative of militant unionism; and

(e) calls upon the Government to promote the historical observance of the Eureka Stockade and ensure an accurate representation of its true historical context.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is important to recognise the Eureka Stockade as an important event in Australian history, including the legitimate motives of the miners and the significant historical value of the Eureka Flag in our community. The government condemns the misuse of the Eureka Flag by militant unions and other extreme groups who seek to use it as a symbol of division or intimidation.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that notice of motion No. 636, standing in the name of Senator Bernardi, be agreed to.

Senator Polley did not vote, to compensate for a vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Nash.

Senator Cameron did not vote, to compensate for a vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Kakoschke-Moore.

Senator Gallagher did not vote, to compensate for a vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Parry.