Becoming John Curtin and James Scullin: their early political careers
Before becoming prime ministers, John Curtin and James Scullin were two young working-class men who dreamt of changing their country.
Dr Byrne, author of ‘Becoming John Curtin and James Scullin’ discusses their intertwined early lives and the role each man played in the Australian Labor Party’s first experience of national government, the great conscription clash and party split of 1916.
Presenter
Liam Byrne has a PhD from the University of Melbourne, where he holds an honorary position at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies. He is the official historian for the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Images: William McInnes (1889–1939) The Rt Hon. James Henry Scullin, 1938, oil on canvas, Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art Collection (detail)
Anthony Dattilo Rubbo (1870–1955) The Rt Hon. John J. A. Curtin, 1947, oil on canvas, Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art Collection (detail)