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

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This is a history of Australian Politics from the disappearance of Harold Holt in December of 1967 to December of 1977 when the federal election confirmed the reelection of Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and the retirement of Gough Whitlam from politics.

  1. Jan 3

    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.

    5 min

  2. 12/26/2025

    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.

    27 min

  3. 04/18/2025

    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.

    34 min

  4. 03/18/2025

    Episode 11: Labor in vain part 2

    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.

    16 min

  5. 03/09/2025

    Episode 9: A threat to the coalition addendum

    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 .

    14 min

  6. 03/02/2025

    Chapter 8: A threat to thr coalition: Part 2

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

    22 min

  7. 01/05/2025

    Episode 7: A threat to the coalition part 1

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

    26 min

  8. 11/13/2024

    Episode 6: 1967 part 4

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

    27 min

  9. 11/13/2024

    Episode 5: 1967 part 3

    An introduction to the feud between John McEwen and Billy McMahon

    21 min

  10. 11/11/2024

    Episode 4: 1967 part 2

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

    31 min

  11. 11/10/2024

    Episode 2: Background to Australian politics in December 1967

    Background to Australian politics in December of 1967

    20 min

  12. 10/06/2024

    Episode 1: Lighting a candle for democracy, Introduction

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

    8 min
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This is a history of Australian Politics from the disappearance of Harold Holt in December of 1967 to December of 1977 when the federal election confirmed the reelection of Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and the retirement of Gough Whitlam from politics.

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