Summary

'Joh Sux' badge, alternatively known as a button. Joh Bjelke-Petersen was Premier of Queensland from 1968-1987. As leader of the coalition government, Bjelke-Petersen's rule is remembered as a time when civil rights were lost and there was corruption at the most essential levels of government. Bjelke-Petersen's government banned street marches and impinged upon the rights of Queensland's indigenous citizens. He had a role in the downfall of the Whitlam government in 1972. In 1987, Bjelke-Petersen launched a campaign for the prime minister ship of Australia: slogans used in this campaign included 'Joh for Canberra' and 'Joh for PM'. Bjelke-Petersen was unsuccessful in his efforts; by 1987 the extent of corruption in Queensland was made clear by the publication of the Fitzgerald Inquiry report. After losing power, Bjelke-Petersen continued to be feted by rural conservatives in Queensland. He died in 2005 and was given a state funeral.

Physical Description

This is a small, round, orange coloured button. It has bold black print. There is a small black rectangle, lower centre, below the text. The back is silver metal with a stick pin and clasp. The front is laminated.

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