Commonwealth of Australia proclamation

Proclamation announcing the activation of legislation which would allow the government to conscript men to the Citizen Forces. Although the legality of the proclamation was challenged, large numbers of men were forced into service. This particular War Service Regulation preceded the defeat of the October 1916 conscription referendum by a mere few weeks. Many people were concerned that the introduction of the Citizen Forces training camps was a presage to conscription. However, following the defeat of the referendum, the camps were closed down, leaving the Government with the problem of how to reinforce recruiting overseas. This proclamation was authorised by the Governor General of Australia, Sir Munro Ferguson. It is also authorised by G.F. Pearce, Minister of State for Defence. Pearce was one of the main advocates for conscription in Australia. Poster is text only, and printed in blue ink on white paper.