The Australian pub has held significant importance in the country’s social fabric since the inception of colonial settlement.
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**Australian Pub Politics History: A Hub for Political Activism**
In the realm of Australian pub politics history, these establishments have served as crucial hubs for political activism, witnessing both minor and significant protests that have catalyzed shifts in the country’s trajectory. According to social historian and writer Alex Ettling, the narrative of history in the making often unfolds in the unassuming backdrop of pubs.
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The Role of Australian Pubs in Union Activities
During the mid-19th century in the Australian colonies, there was a scarcity of indoor spaces where the working class could gather and coordinate.
However, the abundance of pubs provided a solution. These establishments became hubs for various groups, ranging from sports clubs to political organizations, including the earliest unions in the country.
According to Mr. Ettling, co-editor of the book “Knocking the Top Off: A People’s History of Alcohol in Australia,” pubs offered a vital free meeting space for these groups. They also allowed for discreet organization under the guise of other activities.
As early as the 1850s, unions utilized pubs as meeting grounds to strategize, such as in the case of advocating for the eight-hour workday.
Notable establishments like the Lighthouse and the Pelican in Sydney, as well as the Belvidere Hotel in Melbourne, became central locations for union activities.
In some instances, venues like the Belvidere even served as the official mailing addresses for these unions.
Exploring the history of Australian pub politics, it is evident that prior to the emergence of trades halls, unions would convene in pubs.
However, with the gradual establishment of trades halls and alternative venues, unions started to move their meetings away from city pubs.
Contrastingly, in regional and remote areas of Australia, unions persisted in utilizing pubs as meeting spots well into the early 20th century.
Australian Pub Politics History
Australia’s relationship with alcohol dates back to the First Fleet’s arrival, intertwining the nation’s history with a significant amount of alcohol-related tragedies.
Over the years, there has been a notable resistance to drinking, with a particular focus on challenging the role of pubs in society.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Temperance movement, a prominent anti-alcohol group, exerted considerable influence in Australia.
Described as one of the most impactful social movements in Australian history, the Temperance movement advocated for early pub closures, leading to the implementation of a 6 pm closing time during World War I in 1916.
This shift not only reshaped drinking norms but also had a profound impact on the arts, entertainment, and leisure industries, as noted by Mr. Ettling.
Photographer Max Dupain documented the ‘six o’clock swill’ during the 1940s in Australia. This phenomenon resulted from workers finishing at 5 pm and hastily indulging in heavy drinking before the 6 pm pub closures. Unfortunately, this practice often led to rowdiness and unsavory behavior, such as patrons urinating at the bar to maintain their place, explaining why many Australian pubs feature tiled surfaces. Despite the decline of the Temperance movement post-World War II, some states upheld the 6 pm closing time until the 1960s. The Australian pub politics history sheds light on this cultural aspect.
Australian Pub Politics History Unveiled
Australian pubs have a rich history that goes beyond the stereotypical image of being exclusively male-dominated. According to Clare Wright, a history professor at La Trobe University and the author of Beyond the Ladies Lounge: Australia’s Female Publicans, the common belief that pubs were solely the domain of men is inaccurate.
Contrary to popular belief, women played a significant role in the management of pubs. Research conducted by Wright indicates that towards the late 19th century, a majority of pubs were under the ownership and management of women.
Women in colonial Australia had limited career options, but one avenue where they could earn a living was by running a pub. According to Professor Wright, women were often chosen to maintain a “civilised” drinking culture, and until the 1960s, pubs were required to offer room and board, a task considered to be within women’s domain. Additionally, pubs served as significant hubs for local and broader politics in 19th century Australia, making women publicans key figures in these arenas.
The involvement of women in political movements and events crucial to Australian history was notable due to their roles as pub owners. For instance, Catherine Bentley, who owned the Eureka Hotel in Ballarat, played a central role in the lead-up to the Eureka Stockade. Over the centuries, women like Edna Bolger at the St James Hotel in regional Victoria have been actively engaged in running and working in Australian pubs.
Professor Wright emphasizes that women’s participation as pub patrons has been diverse and complex throughout history, contrary to a simple narrative of marginalization and exclusion. The era of the six o’clock swill led to the establishment of ladies lounges, which provided a sense of community for female drinkers. However, the segregation of drinking spaces by gender, enforced by legislation across states, became a contentious issue in the 1960s.
During this period, the women’s movement shed light on the various ways women were restricted from public life and participation, with pubs symbolizing this broader societal issue. Pubs became a frontline for the women’s movement, reflecting the challenges faced by women in society. Consequently, political activism within pubs emerged, with notable protests such as the one in 1965 at the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane, where women like Rosalie Bognor and Merle Thornton took a stand against the ban on women drinking in public bars.
The repeal of section 59A of the Queensland Liquor Act in 1970 marked a significant milestone, allowing women to freely drink in public bars, reflecting a shift in Australian pub politics history.
Exploring Australian Pub Politics History: The Sydney Push
During the 1940s to the 1970s, individuals from the Sydney Push actively participated in what was known as “critical drinking” in various pubs across the city.
Originating from the concept of 19th-century gangs referred to as ‘pushes,’ the Sydney Push emerged as an intellectual subculture primarily associated with left-wing libertarianism.
Wendy Bacon, a journalist, academic, and activist who became part of the Push in the 1960s, describes it as a widely recognized entity in Sydney during its prime.
The foundation of the Push can be traced back to John Anderson, a philosophy professor at the University of Sydney, known for his keen ability to detect falsehoods and advocate for critical examination.
The Tudor Hotel served as the initial unofficial “Sydney Push pub,” where a diverse group, influenced by ideologies such as anarchism, mingled with bohemians spanning from artists to science-fiction enthusiasts.
Amidst the flowing beers, vibrant ideas and discussions took place, occasionally evolving into tangible political initiatives.
The Royal George eventually emerged as the most prominent Push pub. Members like feminist Germaine Greer envisioned an Australia liberated from moral constraints, censorship, and sexual taboos, yearning for a more progressive society.
During the 1960s, the Sydney Push congregated at the Royal George Hotel in Sydney, as documented by Doug Nicholson. Their unconventional beliefs attracted police scrutiny, leading to sporadic arrests within the group. According to Ms. Bacon, as Sydney adopted a more radical stance in the early 60s, the Royal George drew the attention of law enforcement. Over the years, many members of the Push have regrettably “moved to the other bar,” a term used within the Push community to signify passing away. This period in Australian pub politics history sheds light on the intriguing dynamics of the Sydney Push during the 1960s.
Pubs and Indigenous Australians: A Look at Australian Pub Politics History
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**Exploring the Significance of Australian Pub Politics History**
In the realm of Australian pub politics history, Mr. Ettling emphasizes the pivotal role that inner-city pubs in Sydney and Melbourne played for Indigenous activists. These establishments served as crucial hubs for political organizing and community engagement, especially in the absence of abundant recreational options.
One notable figure, Indigenous activist and journalist John Newfong, famously referred to Redfern’s Empress Hotel as “the cabinet room of the Aboriginal Movement.” This underscores the profound impact that these venues had on shaping political discourse and fostering activism within the Indigenous community.
The importance of Black pubs in Australia was further underscored during American boxer Muhammad Ali’s visit to Melbourne in 1979. Eager to connect with the Black population in the city, Ali sought out the Builders Arms Hotel on Gertrude Street, recognizing it as a central gathering place for the community.
During his visit, Ali serendipitously crossed paths with activist Marjorie Thorpe, who introduced him to her baby daughter — the future Senator Lydia Thorpe. This encounter exemplifies the intimate and influential nature of the relationships forged within the Black pub scene, highlighting its role as a catalyst for social change and community cohesion.
Exploring Australian Pub Politics History
Deep into the 20th century, politicians and aspiring politicians strategized and socialized in local pubs.
The John Curtin Hotel in Melbourne, situated near the Victorian Trades Hall, served as a favorite haunt for Bob Hawke.
During his time in the union movement, the Curtin Hotel became Hawke’s go-to spot, a place where he cultivated relationships and negotiated agreements.
In more recent times, pubs have transitioned from hubs of political activism to stages for political performances.
Australian Pub Politics History
The campaign trail in Australia often showcases pubs and alcohol prominently. The local pub plays a vital role in electioneering, serving as a mandatory stop for politicians. With a schooner in hand, politicians aim to connect with the public. However, this direct interaction at pubs comes with its own set of risks.
In 2018, the then-prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, faced backlash for reportedly cutting the line at a bar. Following him, Prime Minister Scott Morrison showed great enthusiasm for frequenting the country’s pubs. Despite his efforts, he encountered several incidents at these venues, including a confrontation at a Newcastle pub in 2022.
Even the current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has participated in the pub culture by chugging a beer for the cameras. Nevertheless, as societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption evolve in Australia, the nature of these political displays at pubs may also undergo a transformation.
Controversial Incident: Australian Pub Politics History
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