Democratic Labor Party Australia 1955
Democratic Labor Party (Australia, 1955)
The Democratic Labor Party (DLP) in Australia was a political entity that emerged as a significant force following the Australian Labor Party split of 1955. This split was a pivotal event in Australian political history, characterized by ideological divisions within the Australian Labor Party (ALP), primarily around issues of anti-communism and internal party control.
Origins and Formation
The DLP was formed in March 1955 as the Australian Labor Party (Anti-Communist). This was a direct result of internal conflicts within the ALP, largely influenced by B. A. Santamaria and his Catholic Social Studies Movement, also known as "The Movement." This group was modeled on Catholic Action and aimed at combating the influence of the Communist Party of Australia within the trade unions and other social structures.
The split was catalyzed by claims made by H. V. Evatt, then leader of the ALP, who accused the Movement and allied Industrial Groups of attempting to control the party. This culminated at the 1955 ALP national conference in Hobart, where Santamaria's supporters were expelled from the ALP, leading to the creation of the new anti-communist faction.
Ideology and Political Position
The Democratic Labor Party's ideology was rooted in a strong anti-communist stance and reflected a commitment to preserving traditional Christian values within a broader political framework. Initially, the party also supported the White Australia policy, although it began opposing it from as early as 1957, even while other major parties maintained their support.
The party played a crucial role in Australian politics by often directing preferences to the Liberal Party during elections, thereby influencing the balance of power and often preventing the ALP from securing office.
Political Influence and Legacy
Throughout its existence, the DLP wielded significant influence, particularly in the states of Victoria and Queensland, where it had active branches. In 1962, the Queensland Labor Party, a breakaway faction of the ALP, became the Queensland branch of the DLP.
The party continued to participate in national politics until it eventually dissolved in 1978 when many of its members rejoined the ALP. However, the ethos and ideas of the DLP were perpetuated when a new Democratic Labor Party was founded that year, which remains active today, maintaining the anti-communist and socially conservative values of its predecessor.