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.
Blue and white enamelled badge, alternatively known as a lapel pin, was produced for the People's Liberal Party and features a white map of Australia inscribed 'FOR AUSTRALIA'. Some medals issued around the time of Australia's federation suggested that a federated Australia was not supported by everyone. 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.
In September 1911 the People's Liberal Party was formed from a merger between the Commonwealth Liberal Party (formed 1909) and the People's Party. 'The People's Liberal Party has from its foundation stood for a national policy of Protection. It has been as loyal to this policy during its comparatively brief life of seven years as has the 'Age' newspaper during its long and zealous career.' (People's Liberal Party (Vic.) Women's Division, 1915.)
Physical Description
Blue and white enamel badge, showing a white coloured, gold inscribed Australia map at centre. It is edged with gold and encircled by a blue border, which is also inscribed. There is a pin on the reverse.
Obverse Description
On map in centre, "FOR AUSTRALIA", surrounded by circle inscribed "PEOPLE'S LIBERAL PARTY".
Reverse Description
[illeg] / [illeg] PO PLACE
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Public Life & Institutions, Migration & Cultural Diversity, Numismatics & Philately
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Date Issued
1911-1920 AD
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Issued By
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Organisation Named
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Inscriptions
Obverse: on map in centre, FOR/ AUSTRALIA; border inscribed PEOPLE'S LIBERAL PARTY Reverse: [Illegible] / [Illegible] PO PLACE
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Material
Gilt and enamel
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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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Overall Dimensions
27 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round
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References
People's Liberal Party (Vic.). Women's Division, 1915. 'Resume of the second conference, Women's Division, held at Ballarat, 28th and 29th April, 1915: including Protection, by Mrs Herbert Brookes, social questions by Mrs L.E. Goodisson, People's Liberal Party' People's Liberal Party (Vic.), 1911. 'The safeguard of our liberty is organisation.' The platform, constitution and rules of the party 'C.E. Merrett, President, L.E. Goodisson, General Secretary, People's Liberal Party', Argus, 25 Jan 1918, p.9 National Library of Australia MS 1924: Herbert and Ivy Brookes - includes People's Liberal Party papers - see [Link 1] accesed 6/1/2009
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Keywords
Import Tariffs, Protectionism, White Australia Policy, Making History - White Australia, Political Parties, Immigration Debates
