Special Sub-Topic: History of the Australian Labor Party Click Here To Play: History of the Australian Labor Party

What does ACTU stand for?

Australian Council of Trade Unions. The ACTU was set up to create peace and harmony between all the bickering unions after the disastrous 1891 general strike.

When was the Master and Servants Act passed?

1828. The act was based on a contract system where a convict would work for an employer for a set time. There were conditions placed on both parties to ensure equality and fairness, but also tough work.

In what year did the Maritime strike of the 1800's take place which caused the destruction of many trade unions?

1890. The maritime strike of 1890, led to general strikes in most industries by 1894, but the colonial governments of the day won the battles over wages and conditions, and trade unions almost vanished.

When was the Labor Party of New South Wales established?

1891. New South Wales was the first to establish a Labor Party, a workers' representative party in government, after the crushing defeat of the unions in 1890. The Australian Labor Party (Federal) is the longest lasting, having been established in the year of Federation, 1901.

Who tried to establish 'New Australia' in Paraguay?

Williams Lane. Set up in 1893, Lane's idea was based on socialism and mateship. But it did not work. Even though 500 people uprooted and left for the new life, it didn't work out, although there are still descendants of these 'New Australians' still in Paraguay to this day.

When was the Conciliation and Arbitration Act passed by the Federal Government?

1904. The Act was seen as the first step towards ending the strike action which had plagued NSW and Australia in general since the establishment of the trade unions and labor movements.

When was the first time the ALP held a majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives?

1910. Although the ALP had held office in 1904 and 1908, both were minority governments which failed to last a year. However, Fisher in 1910, was able to gain majority in both houses and put forward the first real ALP party platform initiatives.

Which former policy of Australian politics did Gough Whitlam abolish completely in 1975?

White Australia. In what was regarded as 'the fourteen days of Gough Whitlam', he passed over 500 acts of legislation in a fortnight, including the abolishment of White Australia.

Which state was the largest producer of coal in 1949?

New South Wales. NSW produced 80 percent of Australia's coal supply. The general coal strike of 1949, led to the downfall of the Labor Chifley government and also led to severe social problems due to the shortage of coal.

Which is not an original principle of laborism (Platform of the ALP)?

Communist influence. Although Communism and the ALP were linked by Liberal governments in the 1950's and 60's, they are not the same and were never a combined force or principle. Tariff protection, although reduced, is still a policy wanted by the ALP. The White Australia policy used to be a platform as did Arbitration.