I don't think it would be true to say that others (such as Curtin) were not working class. Though I do understand the broader point you are making about the transformation in the backgrounds of Labor leading parliamentarians in recent times.
Several in federal Parliamentary Labor Caucus: truck driver (Glenn Sterle), factory worker (Anne Urquhart), seafarer (Matt Burnell), taxi driver (Steve Georganas), coal miner (Dan Repacholi). Not to mention modern white/pink collar working occupations like call centre worker (Mary Doyle), bank tellers (Anne Stanley and Tony Zappia), childcare worker (Catryna Bilyk) and nurse (Ged Kearney).
Thank you for this as it was difficult information to find. Sadly, we haven't heard of most of them. Georganas and Kearney spring to mind but the rest do not. Thanks again.
Yes I strongly agree Adrian, and this was demonstrated by Chifley throughout his life. I did want to make the point in the article that Chifley did not have the benefit of time and resources that many of his contemporaries on the conservative side of politics did, but had a self-driven educational journey that was rich and deeply meaningful.
The only working class PM that Labor ever provided. Today's lot are not labour in that sense.
I don't think it would be true to say that others (such as Curtin) were not working class. Though I do understand the broader point you are making about the transformation in the backgrounds of Labor leading parliamentarians in recent times.
Chifley is the only post WWII version. How many of modern day Labor are brickies, chippies, wharfies, roofers, general labourers, etc?
Several in federal Parliamentary Labor Caucus: truck driver (Glenn Sterle), factory worker (Anne Urquhart), seafarer (Matt Burnell), taxi driver (Steve Georganas), coal miner (Dan Repacholi). Not to mention modern white/pink collar working occupations like call centre worker (Mary Doyle), bank tellers (Anne Stanley and Tony Zappia), childcare worker (Catryna Bilyk) and nurse (Ged Kearney).
Great stuff Mark!
Thank you for this as it was difficult information to find. Sadly, we haven't heard of most of them. Georganas and Kearney spring to mind but the rest do not. Thanks again.
No worries Darren, hope it was interesting. I found the info on the MPs' entries on the federal Parliament website, eg https://www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=300129
The True Believers set in the times of Chifley is on Stan right now. Well worth a look!
Yes I strongly agree Adrian, and this was demonstrated by Chifley throughout his life. I did want to make the point in the article that Chifley did not have the benefit of time and resources that many of his contemporaries on the conservative side of politics did, but had a self-driven educational journey that was rich and deeply meaningful.