Summary
Note: This object includes white superiority messaging. Such attitudes and beliefs are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.
Protect Australia League enamelled badge, circa 1938. The Protect Australia League was formed in late 1938 and by March 1939 had over 2,400 members. It was composed of 'sincere men and women-Australians who are not quite satisfied with the present position of our national affairs...who feel that it is not only their right but their duty to voice a concerted opinion on matters of national import'. The league's two key focuses were: loyalty to the Throne and British Empire, and ensuring the adequate defence of Australia.
The frequent use of a white map of Australia as the iconography for badges, medals, published materials and more, reinforced the desire of governments and organisations to create a trade-protected, white, predominantly British population. It also erases any presence of First Peoples and their rights, heritage, culture and sovereignty.
Physical Description
Enamelled shield shaped badge. The badge has a dark blue boarder with gold text. The centre of the badge is red with a white map of Australia
Obverse Description
Dark blue enamelled boarder with gold text 'PROTECT AUSTRALIA LEAGUE'. Centre of the badge is red enamel with the initials 'P.A.L.' above a white enamelled map of Australia.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase from Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd, Gerhard Reimann-Basch, 19 Sep 2002
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Date Issued
circa 1938 AD
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Issued By
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Place & Date Used
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Inscriptions
On front of badge: PAL / PROTECT / AUSTRALIA / LEAGUE
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Exhibition Collection Management
9 mm (Width), 13 mm (Height)
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Shape
Hexagonal
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References
'Policy of New League', The Argus, 13 March 1939, p8.
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Keywords
Badges, Government Policies, Immigration, Immigration Policies, Immigration Selection, Racial Identity, Racism, White Australia Policy