Historian Frank Bongiorno discusses Scott Morrison's autobiography, the portrayal of government, unions, and religion in Australian politics, and the history and future of the Labor Party with Mark Kenny on a podcast episode. They delve into the intersection of religion and politics, the evolution of the Australian Labour Party, and the Catholic influence on Australian politics.
Labor Party's history reflects changing societal needs and economic shifts.
Labor Party excels in crisis management during challenging periods.
Labor's ties with unions continue to shape its identity and policies.
Deep dives
Labor Party's Adaptation to Economic and Social Changes
The Labor Party's history reflects its adaptation to economic and social changes over time. Initially formed as an ecumenical organization, it united diverse religious groups to pursue collective working-class goals. As industries evolved, the party faced challenges in representing a shifting society. The country's movement towards professionalism and service industries has influenced Labour's strategies in governance.
Labor Party's Response to Crisis
Labor has a history of being elected during challenging times and crisis periods in Australia's history. From managing crises during war periods to navigating economic challenges like the GFC, Labor often emerges as a crisis manager. The party's resilience and ability to the situation, often during scarcity or crises, have shaped its identity as a party capable of handling tough situations.
Union Affiliation and Labor Party Representation
Labor's historic tie with unions has played a significant role in shaping its identity and representation. Despite the declining union membership, the party's internal discipline and ties with unions have been instrumental in its survival. Union affiliation has often been seen as both a strength and a challenge for Labor, influencing its policies and internal dynamics.
Role of Governments in Creating Abundance and Managing Scarcity
The Australian political landscape reflects a history of governments stepping in during times of scarcity and abundance. Labor has navigated economic challenges by engaging in fiscal stimulus, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the role of government in ensuring a safety net for its citizens. Successful crisis management has been a defining feature of Labor's governance.
Adaptation to Changing Economic Landscape
As the economy evolves and industries transform, the Labor Party faces the challenge of remaining relevant and responsive to changing economic landscapes. From industrialization to deindustrialization, Labor's ability to adapt its policies and strategies to meet the demands of modern society is crucial for its future success.
Historian Frank Bongiorno joins us to discuss Scott Morrison, religion and politics, and the history of Labor.
What does Scott Morrison’s autobiography reveal about his time as Prime Minister? How have Australian political parties tended to characterise the role of government, unions and religion? And what does the history of the Labor tell us about its future?
On this episode of Democracy Sausage, Professor Frank Bongiorno joins Professor Mark Kenny to talk religion, politics and the new edition of his book, A Little History of the Australian Labor Party.
Frank Bongiorno is a Professor at the ANU School of History. He is President of the Australian Historical Association and the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, the Australian Academy of the Humanities and a Whitlam Institute Distinguished Fellow at Western Sydney University.
Mark Kenny is the Director the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.