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Strife and Strike: Ben Chifley's Bold Plans for Banking and the 1949 Coal Strike (H259.01)

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Labor Prime Minister Chifley led postwar Australia and accomplished much. Yet he faced two crises that led to his defeat in the 1949 election.
In 1947, he announced plans to nationalise Australia's banking system. Chifley's bold bank grab sparked fierce, nationwide resistance. In 1949, a major coal strike involving 20,000 miners across five states brought the economy to a standstill for seven weeks. Finally, Chifley sent in 3,000 armed troops to break the strike. As the 1940s finished, both highly contentious episodes contributed to Labor's electoral loss and profoundly influenced Australia's political and industrial future.

Enrolment Date:Friday, 25 July 2025
Start Date:Tuesday, 26th August 2025
End Date:2nd September 2025
Time:11:00 am - 12:00 noon
Frequency:Weekly
One session: 26 August 2025. Second session 2 September 2025.
Venue:Hughes CC Rm 2
Costs:2 sessions $2 per person per session room costs
Student Materials:Nil

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