Ballarat - Birthplace of Democracy
Who could imagine a rural ALP parliamentarian talk about being a socialist ?? It’s an oxymoron! But in the early days of the 20th century it was not uncommon.
One famous example was the MLA for Ballarat West from 1904-1907, Scott Bennett.
As well as a short spell in the parliamentary talk shop he was a founding member of the Victorian Socialist League, became an organiser for the New Zealand Social Democratic Party, lectured in the USA on socialism,was active in the Australian anti-conscription movement during the ‘great’ trade war, and spent many years lecturing for the Workers Educational Association on a range of topics, including socialism, mental health and sexual practices.
Goodness me, where do you find a pollie like him in 2012 ???
Glen!
