Table of Contents
Is Communist Party legal in Australia?
The Communist Party of Australia was declared an unlawful organisation and was dissolved, its property forfeited to the Commonwealth without compensation. Affiliated organisations were also liable to be declared unlawful, at the discretion of the Governor-General.
What happened to the Communist Party in Australia?
Dissolution. In 1991, the Communist Party was dissolved and the New Left Party formed. The New Left Party was intended to be a broader party which would attract a wider range of members, which did not happen, and the New Left Party disbanded in 1992.
Does Australia have free speech?
The Australian constitution does not have such an explicit statement regarding free speech. But Australia is a party to seven core international human rights treaties and the right to freedom of opinion and expression is contained in articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
What threat of communism did the Australian Government produce?
The threat of communism that the Australian government produced is highly debatable issue. Australia was being exposed to Communism, which was spreading south from Russia, through Asia and ultimately to Australia. The domino theory was a key belief in the mind of the public, spreading fear throughout the world.
What was the Menzies government’s policy on communism in Australia?
Following World War II, there was an increased fear of Communism in Australia. The Menzies government in the 1950’s presented strategies that were a direct echo of the penetrating fear of communism in Australia. These policies were recognized during the Cold War period, at a time when the fear of communism was the most extreme.
What role did the Cold War play in Australia’s view of communism?
The Cold War had a relevantly significant role in deciphering Australia’s take on the political issue of Communism. Though the Cold War was most predominantly based around the relationship of the USA and the USSR, Australia’s involvement, even if minor, still influenced its perception of Communism.
Was communism a good or a bad thing?
In theory, Communism was a sensible ideology, but in practice, too easy to corrupt. Many Australians believed at the time that Asian countries would fall like dominoes to the Communist administration, and that Australia was next. The domino theory started as Communists infiltrated surrounding countries.