What are the long-term consequences when political parties become wracked by division?

On Afternoon Light #197 Georgina Downer speaks with Paul Strangio about the Great Labor Split, which just passed its 70th anniversary. A combustible mix of sectarian prejudice and ideological division lit into an inferno by an unstable leader, it prompted the rise of Australia’s first significant minor party and left the ALP in Opposition for over two decades.

Paul Strangio is an Emeritus Professor of Politics at Monash University. Paul specialises in Australian political history, with a particular focus on political leadership and political parties. He’s an author and editor of 11 books. He’s been a frequent commentator on Australian politics in the print and election media, including contributing many op-ed pieces to The Age, and for a number of years has had a regular segment on ABC Radio Melbourne.