The Hutt River Province - Australia's closest neighbour
March 6th 2007 07:42
The flag of the Hutt River Province
You may not be aware of this, but within Australian borders there is another country. Back in 1970, one man took a look around at Australia and decided it wasn’t for him.
You see, back in the late 60s the Australian Government was growing concerned that their farmers might over-produce – and as the Government was required by law to compensate farmers who had produced more product than could be exported they decided to pass a bill that would restrict farmers in selling their product.
A Western Australian man named Leonard was disgusted… this was his livelihood being destroyed by bureaucracy. So he found some obscure laws to back him up, and declared himself an independent principality – loyal to the Queen, but no longer a part of Australia. He became Prince Leonard, his wife – Princess Shirley. His sons would become Prince Ian and Prince Wayne, and their land became the Hutt River Province (a name more recently changed to 'The Principality of Hutt River') – and by golly, they would not be cowed by Australia’s tyranny nor would they pay taxes!
Prince Leonard even declared war on Australia. Australia ignored him, so the Prince declared himself the victor. It was a bloodless victory, and the Hutt River Province has stood firm ever since. They don’t pay taxes, you need a passport to enter their borders, and they have their own coins and stamps (as well as a national anthem sung by John English). But the Australian government and most of the rest of the world continues to ignore the existence of this proud nation.
So I took it upon myself to write some letters. I’ve waited some time now and I’ve received no replies, so I’ve decided to make these letters public. The Hutt River Province will not be silenced!
Tune in to this blog over the next few days to join me in my outrage at the way this small yet proud nation has been treated by Australia.
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Comment by DavidH
Defending the indefensible
Comment by Luke
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Comment by JoshZ
A Simple Christian
I'd heard of this guy.....
Personally I would be calling myself Supreme Emporer and Overlord Josh, Defender of the People and Destroyer of Evil.
But that's just me.
JZ
Comment by Luke
Book Club
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior