Lighting a candle for democracy: Australian politics from 1967 to 1977.

Episode 17 examines Gough Whitlam's risky decision in April 1968 to resign and recontest the Labor leadership after a fractious federal executive meeting, his determined push to reform the Victorian ALP, and the tensions with the party's left led by Jim Cairns. The episode looks at the narrow outcome, its short-term consequences — delayed Victorian reform, a changed approach by Whitlam and the pol...

This episode examines the April 1968 crisis in the Australian Labor Party: Gough Whitlam's public clash with the Victorian branch, the disputed Tasmanian delegate, and the dramatic decision to resign and recontest the leadership. It covers Jim Cairns' challenge, the tight caucus vote, and the wider implications for party reform, factional conflict, and Whitlam's authority going forward.

Episode 15 examines John Gorton's turbulent first month as Prime Minister in 1968, focusing on his handling of Vietnam policy, the British withdrawal east of Suez, and the damaging water-torture allegations that exposed his limits in unscripted debate. It also covers Gorton's troubled US visit, his interactions with William Wentworth on Aboriginal affairs, and rising Commonwealth–state tensions as...

In Episode 14 of "Lighting a Candle for Democracy: Australian Politics from 1967 to 1977," we delve into the emergence of John Gorton as the Prime Minister of Australia. Gorton's swift rise to leadership is explored amid a backdrop of economic prosperity, political tensions, and the ongoing Vietnam War. The episode examines the internal challenges faced by Gorton within his party and his coalition...

In this riveting episode of "Lighting a Candle for Democracy," we explore a turbulent period in Australian politics from 1967 to 1977, focusing on the Australian Labor Party's internal struggles. The episode delves into the ramifications of Dr. Herbert V. Evatt's defense of the Communist Party, which both shattered and redefined the Labor Party. Witness the dramatic events leading to the ALP's thi...

In this episode of "Lighting a Candle for Democracy," we delve deep into the Australian Labour Party's tenacious journey through the years 1930 to 1949. Understand the challenges faced by pivotal leaders like John Curtin, Ben Chifley, and Arthur Calwell as they navigated through depression, war, and the party's own internal struggles. Explore how the Labour Party grappled with rising communism and...

This episode delves into the turbulent period of the Australian Labour Party from 1929 to 1931, as the party struggles to govern amidst the harsh economic realities of the Great Depression. The episode narrates the challenges faced by Prime Minister James Scullin's government, from winning the elections to being hit by the daunting economic crisis and internal political rifts. Featuring key politi...

In Episode 10 of "Lighting a Candle for Democracy," we embark on the first part of a riveting exploration into the Australian Labour Party's tumultuous history from its inception through the late 1960s. We delve into the colourful characters and pivotal moments that defined the party's early years, from its origins during the gold rush to its significant influence in Australian politics despite lo...

Further comments on the Liberal Party leadership battle discussed in the previous episodes and the actions taken by others to stop Billy McMahon from becoming Prime .

Part 2 of the leadership contest to replace the Prime Minister Harold Holt.

Part 1 of the leadership contest to replace the missing, presumed dead,Prime Minister Harold Holt.

A continuation of the rift between John McEwen and Billy McMahon and the effect that it had on the coalition government.

An introduction to the feud between John McEwen and Billy McMahon

Part 2 of Harold Holt’s difficult 1967 describing events surrounding the VIP affair

Part 1 of Harold Holt’s challenges in his first year as Prime Minister. This episode describes the Voyager disaster and the political fallout that resulted from it.

Background to Australian politics in December of 1967

An introduction to my podcast on Australian politics in the decade from 1967 to 1977