Summary
Alternative Name(s): Button
Campaigns opposing nuclear warships were not only present in Australia, but also New Zealand and throughout the entire Pacific region. Born out of opposition to French nuclear testing in the area and spurred on by visiting US nuclear warships, protest campaigns were widespread in the 70s and 80s. The ban on nuclear ships has been a central pillar of New Zealand's foreign policy ever since the country was declared a nuclear-free area in 1984. On the other hand, around the same period the Australian government was renewing its commitment to the ANZUS treaty. Opposition to this stance grew stronger here at this time as well. In Australia visiting warships were met with opposition, especially in the Fremantle port. Actions involved sending peace flotillas to greet the American ships and union bans to limit the number of ships that could enter but there are also recorded instances of pig blood being thrown on deck and graffiti done by an scuba diver on the side of incoming ships. This badge was produced by Patrick Brothers, a Melbourne-based business, so it might have been used in one of the anti-warship protests in the area.
Physical Description
Circular badge depicting black silouhette of a warship, ban the-bomb symbol and black text on a yellow background.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
Public Life & Institutions, Politics & Society, Clothing & Textiles, Arms
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Nic Maclellan, 23 Feb 1987
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Manufacturer
Patrick Bros., Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Inscriptions
Black text on front: BAN/NUCLEAR/WARSHIPS Reverse side stamped: PATRICK BROS/MELBOURNE
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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
4.4 cm (Length)
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Keywords
Anti-Nuclear Protests, Nuclear Disarmament, Peace Issues, Political Protests, Protest Movements, Activism, Peace, Arms