Dear Monument Australia visitors, we are a self-funded, non-profit organisation, dedicated to recording monuments throughout Australia. Over time the costs of maintaining this website have risen substantially (in fact they are probably larger than those of many companies who exist for profit). In the past we have borne all the costs associated with maintaining the website but we are now having difficulties in paying the monthly expenses.
If Monument Australia is useful to you, please make a donation to keep this historical and educational resource available. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Home » Themes » People » Humanitarian
Emma MillerPrint Page 
The sculpture commemorates Emma Miller, the campaigner for better conditions and pay for women.
As a shirtmaker, in 1890 Emma helped to form a female workers` union, mainly of tailoresses. In 1891 she gave evidence to the royal commission into shops, factories and workshops and marched with shearers` strike prisoners when released. She was the first woman to travel west organizing for the Australian Workers` Union and was the first woman member and a life member of the Brisbane Workers Political Organization.
Emma Miller championed equal pay and equal opportunity for women and was foundation president of the Woman`s Equal Franchise Association (1894-1905), urging legislation to grant women the franchise on the principle of one adult one vote; although its policy was similar to Labor`s she denied the association was allied to any political party. She admired William Lane, a champion of women`s rights. She became president of the Women Workers Political Organisation (Queensland) after 1903.
In 1908 she was one of two women to attend a Commonwealth Labor conference, only the second time a woman was a delegate. On `Black Friday` of the 1912 strike Mrs Miller led a large contingent of women to Parliament House, braving the batons of foot and mounted police. She reputedly stuck a hatpin into the horse of Police Commissioner Cahill who was thrown and injured.
Location
| Address: | Adelaide Street, Speakers Corner, King George Square, Brisbane, 4000 |
|---|---|
| State: | QLD |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -27.468764 Long: 153.023956 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Sculpture |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Humanitarian |
| Designer: | Artbusters |
| Link: | http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/adbonli… |
Dedication
Emma Miller (1839 - 1917)
Pioneer, trade unionist and suffragette
Emma Miller was an early voice for women`s and worker`s rights in Brisbane, speaking out against social injustice and fighting for the vote for women.
