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

Episode 17: Who’s party is this, Ours or his?

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:45:33 +1100

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 political context facing new PM John Gorton — and reflects on how different history might have been if Whitlam had lost.

Whose Party Is This? Ours or his

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:52:35 +1100

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.

Gorton: An Unlikely Quantity — Part 2: Honeymoon Cut Short

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 16:20:30 +1100

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 he pushed for greater central power—setting the scene for continuing political drama.

Episode 14: Gorton an unknown quantity Part 1

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:41:37 +1000

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 government's reliance on key power players, including the Country Party and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), as well as the media and public service.

Listeners will gain insight into the early structural changes Gorton made within his cabinet and government, the dynamics of federal-state relationships, and the critical international pressures shaping Australia's foreign policy during the era. Additionally, the episode highlights the controversial sacking of ministers and public servants that marked Gorton's initial phase as Prime Minister. This part of the series sets the stage for understanding the complex interplay between Gorton’s leadership style and the demands of the office, providing a rich historical context for the events that unfolded during his tenure.

Episode 13 Labor in vain: Part 4

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:25:35 +1000

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 third historic split, the formation of the Democratic Labor Party, and the ensuing political landscape that kept Labor out of federal power for 17 years. As infighting threatens to tear the party apart, key figures like Evatt and Chifley grapple with accusations of communism, disloyalty, and external manipulation.

The story captures intense political drama with Evatt's bold and polarizing moves, culminating in a scramble for leadership and the eventual emergence of Gough Whitlam as a transformative force within the ALP. This episode offers a vivid picture of a divided party, highlighting the complex interplay of loyalty, ideology, and resilience in the face of adversity. Tune in to uncover how the shadows of anti-communism and internal friction shaped the destiny of one of Australia's major political parties.

Episode 12: Labor in vain part 3

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 14:46:48 +1000

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 the emergence of the Industrial Groups, shaped by religious and political influences.

Discover the impacts of World War II on ALP's governance and the strategic measures taken during the notorious coal strike and nationalization of banks under Chifley's leadership. Gain insight into how these events would seed political shifts, ultimately leading to Labour's unexpected defeat by Robert Menzies in 1949. Join us as we unpack this critical period in Australia's political history.

Episode 11: Labor in vain part 2

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:43:15 +1100

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 political figures such as James Scullin, E.G. Theodore, Joseph Lyons, and Jack Lang, this episode brings to light the economic policies, factionalism, and leadership dilemmas that led to the downfall of the Labour government. Discover the intricate political maneuvers as Labour contends with skyrocketing unemployment, crippling debt, and divided allegiances, painting a vivid picture of a nation in economic distress. Ann Campbell provides insights into the historical context, with recommended reading for deeper understanding, preparing the listener for the subsequent part of the Labour series.

Episode 10: Labor in vain part 1

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:40:41 +1100

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 long periods in opposition. This episode examines the Labour Party's ideological contradictions, as it navigated social reforms, immigration policies, and international roles between 1967 and 1977. We'll uncover the roots of the party's internal conflicts and how figures like Edward Gough Whitlam emerged during times of crisis to steer the party away from potential oblivion. Join us as we unravel the challenges and milestones that shaped the ALP into a complex and influential political force in Australia, setting the stage for its historical return to power.

Episode 9: A threat to the coalition addendum

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:16:31 +1100

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 .

Chapter 8: A threat to thr coalition: Part 2

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:10:56 +1100

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

Episode 7: A threat to the coalition part 1

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 19:05:11 +1100

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

Episode 6: 1967 part 4

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:54:04 +1100

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

Episode 5: 1967 part 3

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:12:43 +1100

An introduction to the feud between John McEwen and Billy McMahon

Episode 4: 1967 part 2

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:26:39 +1100

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

Episode 3 1967 part 1

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:37:05 +1100

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.

Episode 2: Background to Australian politics in December 1967

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:29:00 +1100

Background to Australian politics in December of 1967

Episode 1: Lighting a candle for democracy, Introduction

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 15:21:13 +1100

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