Petitioning government is a fundamental right in Australia’s democracy. This seminar will explore citizen activism through petitions submitted to the Australian Government. The National Archives collection includes a wide range of petitions relating to a number of areas for change including land rights for First Australians, equal voting rights and the internment of enemy aliens. Not all petitions relate to the big issues, with some asking for intervention on more local or personal issues.

St John Ambulance began its Search and Rescue Squads after WWII to collaborate with Victoria Police and the Country Fire Authority. It was superseded in the mid-1970s by the government funded State Emergency Service. However, in its heyday, S&R attended many disasters including the Southern Aurora derailment and the Westgate Bridge collapse. Stewart Grainger, who
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