Episodes

  • Ep84: The Maritime Strike of 1890 | 1890
    May 6 2025

    This week, we discuss the first of the great strikes of the 1890s and the beginning of grand shifts in labour in Australia, the Maritime Strike of 1890. Furthermore, we talk about the first federation conference as well the importation of the Single Tax/Georgism ideology. We also discuss a few important premier changes.

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    24 mins
  • Ep83: The Origins of the Labor and Liberal Parties | 1889
    Apr 15 2025

    This week, we examine the beginnings of both the Liberal Party of Australia and the Australian Labor Party. We also discuss the continued move towards Federation, local colonial politics, and the first ever grand final in Australian Rules Football. We end by noting the fall of the Premier's Permanent Building Association, whose collapse signals the end of the Long Boom and the start of the 1890s Depression.

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    28 mins
  • Ep82: The Roots of the White Australia Policy | 1887 & 1888
    Apr 8 2025

    This week, we discuss the roots of the White Australia policy, as the forebearers of this most infamous policy begin to appear in the late 1880s. We also discuss the 1887 London Colonial Conference, the establishment of the Australian Socialist League, and so much more. Finally, we reflect on the fact that this episode represents 100 years from the start of white colonisation of New South Wales.

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    30 mins
  • Ep81: The Federal Council of Australasia | 1886
    Apr 1 2025

    This episode, we discuss the first Federal Council of Australasia, as we examine the year 1886. In addition, we see major political changes in NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania, as well as some significant moment's in Australia's labour history.

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    27 mins
  • Ep80: Australian Involvement in the Mahdist/Sudan War | 1884 & 1885
    Mar 25 2025

    This week, we examine the NSW colony's involvement in the Mahdist War in Sudan, one of the first times colonial Australians fought in a war outside their continent. We also discuss the naval expansions of many of the colonies this week, in what seems like a very military-focused episode. To round this out, we talk about the case of the Hopeful in the ongoing issue that is Blackbirding in Queensland. And to finish, we discuss both premier changes and strikes around the colonies.

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    28 mins
  • Ep79: Queensland's Annexation of New Guinea | 1883
    Mar 18 2025

    This week, we dive into one of the first international moves an Australian colony makes, Queensland's annexation of New Guinea. We also discuss the 1883 Intercolonial Conference and the finalising of the Federal Council of Australasia. Furthermore, we take some time to look over the Kalkadoon wars of Queensland, as well as colonial politics in New South Wales and Victoria.

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    30 mins
  • Ep78: The Ashes and Calls for Federation | 1881 & 1882
    Mar 11 2025

    This week, we examine the first major inter-colonial conferences to take the idea of federation seriously. Do such ideas succeed? Unlikely! We also discuss the start of Australia's most major cricketing tradition, the Ashes. Finally, we also talk about the beginning of major strikes in the 1880s, a trend that continued over the coming decades.

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    25 mins
  • Ep77: Ned Kelly Part Three | His Death and Legacy
    Mar 5 2025

    The culmination of what is now an audio documentary of Ned Kelly's life (at over 1.5hrs of content), this episode examines the Kelly Gang's last stand at Glenrowan, and the legacy of Ned Kelly.

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    38 mins