Dr Benjamin T Jones of the ANU talks about citizens at the heart of the polis, empowered to participate and seeking the honour of the nation (rather than self-honour) in describing a model drawn from the “Hellenic Hills” as the desired template for an Australian Republic. He reminded us that the oath at Eureka was “we” not “I” and that the current flag equals ‘dominion’ and the current Constitution and preamble ‘possession’ ie words and symbols do matter. He foresees the Australian Republic as an essential equality of citizens; using social wealth to create the nation; welfare and philanthropy as “service”. He referred to the letters of Adelaide Ironside, our first publicly known female republican – look right – and consort of Daniel Henry Deniehy who had a unique take on Australia as a republican meritocracy. This was a repeat of the Deniehy Oration given in Goulburn on 28 October. Ben’s new book, “This time: Australia’s republican past and future” will be released on 24 January 2018.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
