Days commemorating important historical figures typically fall on the anniversary of those persons’ birth or death. John Curtin Day, on 7 October, defies this ordinary practice, commemorating instead the day in 1941 on which its namesake became the 14th Prime Minister of Australia. It is fitting that it does so, for it is testament to the extraordinary nature of John Curtin’s leadership.
Curtin is broadly recognised as Australia greatest prime minister, but he was also our most staunchly nativist prime minister. Much of his reputation rests on his ability to safely navigate Australia through the War in the Pacific and prevent the threat of a Japanese invasion from being realised. In doing so, he adopted a firm “Australia First” approach, fiercely resisting attempts by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to deploy Australian troops to serve British interests. Against this backdrop, he passed the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act in 1942, freeing Australia from any legislative interference by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. And, in line with all Australian prime ministers until 1966, he was an unwavering defender of the White Australia Policy, a position clearly articulated in his rousing address to the nation in the wake of the Pearl Harbor attacks: “We Australians have imperishable traditions. We shall maintain them. We shall vindicate them. We shall hold this country and keep it as a citadel for the British-speaking race and as a place where civilisation will persist.” It was this rhetorical flair that galvanised public support behind Curtin. According to biographer John Serle, parliamentary clerk Frank Green rated Curtin the best orator parliament had known.
In view of the above, the Victorian branch of ANA saw fit to expand its calendar of events by hosting its inaugural John Curtin Day event last weekend. In recognition of Curtin’s oratory prowess, the evening was devoted to formal speeches on subjects of interest to members, topics including modern decadence, situational awareness, and Curtin himself. The success of the event provides a foundation on which to expand the program, and it is hoped it will become the branch’s most significant public speaking event, hosting not only informative presentations but also debates between members.