Eureka Britannia : civic republicanism and the politics of rebellion in the British world

On 3 December 2004, the Eureka flag- the first design to be called the Australian flag- flew proudly over all State and Territory parliament buildings, dozens of town halls and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Despite public enthusiasm, the sesquicentennial celebrations did not see the Eureka flag fly over the federal parliament in Canberra. Prime Minister and devout monarchist John Howard had little interest in remembering a failed rebellion just five years after a republican referendum was narrowly rejected. He did not attend any of the week-long events in Ballarat, nor did he send a minister to represent the government. It was a problematic anniversary to say the least but the awkward response should come as little surprise. Australian public memory has never found a comfortable narrative for Eureka. From the earliest days of colonisation until deep into the 20th century, Australia has defined itself by its loyalty to the mother country. Anzac Day, more sacred in the national psyche than even Australia Day, commemorates an unyielding devotion to empire. What then to make of the women who created a seditious blue and white flag and the men who died defending it on the goldfields of Ballarat?