Chifley Research Centre

Chifley Research Centre The Chifley Research Centre - The ALP's official think tank. Championing a Labor culture of ideas.

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The Board and Staff deeply mourn the death of our Chair Senator Linda White. Though ill for some time, Linda only took l...
01/03/2024

The Board and Staff deeply mourn the death of our Chair Senator Linda White. Though ill for some time, Linda only took leave as Chair of the Chifley Research Centre in late January of 2024. Linda’s dedication to the work of the Centre was extraordinary.

Linda joined the Chifley Research Centre Board in 2013 and was appointed Chair in June 2015, continuing that role after she became an ALP Senator for Victoria.

A member of the ALP’s National Executive Committee, Linda, had a disntguished career within the labour movement, particular during her time as an officer of the ASU. She was also, among other things, a director of industry superannuation fund, legalsuper, a Board member of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, a director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, a member of the Australian Social Inclusion Board and was a Vice President of the ACTU from 2006 -2015.

A voracious reader, culinary expert, footy fan, flower lover and supporter of cultural engagement, Linda will be missed greatly.

Vale Linda White.

On this day in 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the...
13/02/2024

On this day in 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations. The speech, given in the Federal Parliament, was a watershed moment in Australia’s reconciliation journey.

The apology was a recognition of the deep suffering caused by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. It marked Labor's commitment to closing the gap and taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation.

The Hawke Labor Government introduced Medicare on 1 February 1984. A transformation of Australia’s healthcare system tha...
01/02/2024

The Hawke Labor Government introduced Medicare on 1 February 1984. A transformation of Australia’s healthcare system that guaranteed universal health coverage for all Australians. An evolution of Gough Whitlam's Medibank, Medicare embodies Labor's commitment to social justice and equitable healthcare.

On this day in 1931, Sir Isaac Isaacs took the oaths of office to become the first native-born Australian appointed Gove...
22/01/2024

On this day in 1931, Sir Isaac Isaacs took the oaths of office to become the first native-born Australian appointed Governor-General. He was appointed on the advice of the Scullin Labor Government despite King George V’s objection.

In 1930 the English King had opposed the appointment because Isaacs was a 'local man' and ‘elderly’, whom he did not know and had not been consulted about.

Nevertheless, an Imperial Conference advised a governor-general should be appointed on the advice of the Australian Government, though only after informal consultation. Soon after, Labor PM Joseph Scullin had an audience with the King and stood by the recommendation despite the King's known displeasure.

Isaacs was renowned as a brilliant lawyer and had served as Attorney-General in the 2nd Deakin Government and was later appointed to the High Court. He died in 1948, aged 92.

On this day, 18 January, Paul John Keating was born in 1944.24th Prime Minister of Australia and Federal Labor Leader Pa...
18/01/2024

On this day, 18 January, Paul John Keating was born in 1944.

24th Prime Minister of Australia and Federal Labor Leader Party from 1991 to 1996, he also served as treasurer of Australia in the Hawke government from 1983 to 1991 and as deputy prime minister of Australia from 1990 to 1991.

Born at St Margaret's Hospital in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst, Keating grew up in Bankstown. He is always remembered as a courageous politician as well as an economic and policy reformer.

Can microdata inform new approaches to competition policy to improve consumer outcomes while building a better and more ...
15/01/2024

Can microdata inform new approaches to competition policy to improve consumer outcomes while building a better and more productive economy?

It looks like the answer could be yes.

Hear why from Andrew Leigh MP , Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Assistant Minister for Employment, speak about the latest research at a Chifley Conversation in Melbourne at 12 Noon on Tuesday, 30 January. REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL.
BOOK HERE: https://events.humanitix.com/game-changer-harnessing-microdata-for-a-fairer-competition-landscape-andrew-leigh-assistant-minister-for-competition-charities-and-treasury-speaks
Hosted by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers

John Curtin, Australia’s 14th Prime Minister, was born on 8 January 1885 in Creswick, Victoria. Curtin was Federal Leade...
08/01/2024

John Curtin, Australia’s 14th Prime Minister, was born on 8 January 1885 in Creswick, Victoria. Curtin was Federal Leader of the Labor Party from 1935 until his tragic death in office as Prime Minister on 5 July 1945.

PM from 7 October 1941, Curtin led Australia for most of WW2, creating a modern welfare state and in 1942, entrenching legal independence from Britain by enacting the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act.

John Curtin was succeeded as PM and Federal Labor Leader by Frank Forde briefly, then formally by Ben Chifley.

On this day in 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government abolished university tuition fees. This radical move opened up higher ...
01/01/2024

On this day in 1974, the Whitlam Labor Government abolished university tuition fees. This radical move opened up higher education to Australians who could not have afforded it otherwise, changing the face of Australian tertiary education forever.

It epitomised Labor's enduring commitment to education as a right for all, not a privilege for the few. Although the policy has evolved over time, the spirit of educational equality continues to be a pillar of Labor's agenda.

On this day in 1941, Prime Minister John Curtin gave a sobering New Year's message to the nation, reflecting on the chal...
26/12/2023

On this day in 1941, Prime Minister John Curtin gave a sobering New Year's message to the nation, reflecting on the challenges that Australia faced with Japan's entry into World War II. Breaking away from Britain's wartime strategy, Curtin declared that Australia must look to America for partnership and defence.

'Without any inhibitions of any kind, I make it quite clear that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom,' he said.

This was a critical moment that redefined Australia's foreign policy and highlighted the need for self-reliance. It was a crucial pivot that laid the foundation for the U.S.-Australia alliance we know today. Curtin's leadership during these times exemplifies Labor's tradition of visionary and bold decision-making in the face of adversity.

51 years ago today, Gough Whitlam’s “It’s Time!” Campaign embraced pop culture and returned Labor to Government. But rec...
02/12/2023

51 years ago today, Gough Whitlam’s “It’s Time!” Campaign embraced pop culture and returned Labor to Government. But recently unearthed footage shows they didn’t just change the game—they wrote the rulebook. Check it out at: https://www.chifley.org.au/in-depth/rediscovering-its-time-forgotten-footage-from-australias-iconic-political-campaign/

We've discovered alternate versions of the famous “It’s Time” ad, as well as intriguing, often overlooked, policy-focused clips. What made it resonate so deeply with Aussies? And how did its creative tactics influence campaigns for decades to come? Find out in our latest article.

On 2 December 1972, Gough Whitlam ushered in a new era of politics in Australia, breaking nearly 25 years of conservativ...
02/12/2023

On 2 December 1972, Gough Whitlam ushered in a new era of politics in Australia, breaking nearly 25 years of conservative rule.

👉 Dive into the compelling story of Whitlam's leadership and its enduring impact on Australia: https://www.chifley.org.au/in-depth/we-want-gough-remembering-whitlam/

His government, marked by ambition and reform, reshaped Australia's future, but not without facing its share of turmoil and challenges.

From the infamous 'Dismissal' to landmark policies like free university education and the abolition of the White Australia policy, Whitlam's tenure was nothing short of historic.

Explore the highs and lows of his revolutionary three years in office in our latest blog post. Discover how Whitlam's vision, intellect, and determination steered Australia towards progress, despite the headwinds of an economic crisis and internal opposition.

In 1984, a milestone was reached in Australia's journey towards gender equality: the appointment of Pamela O'Neill as th...
30/11/2023

In 1984, a milestone was reached in Australia's journey towards gender equality: the appointment of Pamela O'Neill as the country’s first S*x Discrimination Commissioner. This monumental occasion was enabled by the Hawke Labor Government, which also ushered in the transformative S*x Discrimination Act of 1984.

O'Neill, a dedicated social worker and former executive officer of the Women’s Electoral Lobby, used her role to tackle systemic gender inequality. She initiated conversations about sexual harassment, advocated for fair parental leave, and contributed to legal reforms for women's rights.

Her groundbreaking work opened the door for continued efforts in closing the gender gap, highlighting Labor's commitment to social justice and equal opportunity.

Find out more at https://laborhistory.org.au/

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