True: An Australian rancher seceded from Australia and created his own country: Auzzies have always been known for their independent spirits, but Leonard George Casley carried his a lot farther than the government expected. It has been over 20 years since Casley protested a government imposed wheat quota of 1,647 bushels for his 18,500-acre Western Australia farm. When he claimed the dollar returned on such a small crop would hardly pay the interest on the loan due for two of his four tractors, his complaints fell on deaf ears. He then “seceded” from the Commonwealth of Australia, and has since been ignoring every government order issued to cease and desist since.
Australian authorities made the mistake of addressing him as “The Administrator” of his self-proclaimed Principality of Hutt River Province. It was an official slip of the pen that Casley claims is equal to de facto recognition. Since his ‘secession’, Casley has proclaimed himself a prince. He’s bestowed titles and knighthood, issued proclamations and edicts, designed a flag, printed postage stamps, and has issued both coins and currency which is claimed to be legal tender in the principality.
Word of the provincial prince’s story spread throughout Australia, and then to the world. Many people have lent their good will and moral support to the prince and his cause, and some even came to volunteer their skills and labour. Prince Leonard is not some fubar. His respectable achievements include his lifelong struggle for fundamental human rights and justice. He’s also a scientist, mathematician and a philosopher of note, having received several awards and honourary degrees.
