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

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

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

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

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

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

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.