The Catholic Anti-Communist Role within Australian Labor

Abstract

adaptability and ingenuity in both political and industrial labor problems. This is particularly so in regard to the unusual labor-union tactics against Communists in which they have played a leading role since the war. In the methods used to compete with Communists on their own terms can be found a dynamic approach which is of considerable interest. It is important to note from the beginning that it is not the Roman Catholic Church or Catholics as a religious group only which is the primary focus of this paper. It is Catholic labor leaders and Catholic social action and inspiration that we shall consider. These methods and ideas are seldom purely Catholic and, in fact, cannot be. The reason for this is that Catholics are a minority in the Australian population and a minority in the Labor party.' They must attain support from Protestants if they are to be leaders or if they are to gain acceptance for their ideas. They must avoid purely Catholic objectives, and they must espouse ideas with a wide appeal. In addition to the Catholic inspiration in competing with Communist leadership, it is important to note two other points. The past Catholic adjustment to the labor movement and the past leadership by Catholics toward socialism in Australia have prepared them for the unusual role they have played in regard to communism. Furthermore, recent labor reaction against Catholic activities in the labor movement may result in alienating many Catholics with consequent strengthening of conservatism in Australia. The close identification of Australian Catholics with the labor movement is something which far antedates the party and goes back into Australian history. Until the current postwar deluge of immigrants, nearly