Bob Gleeson

Bob Gleeson describes how in 1962 he joined the Longreach Branch of the ALP and continued through his life to be very interested in politics. He states that his first job was at age 14 as rouseabout. He speaks about working in the shearing sheds and the regular contact with Australian Workers Union Organisers. He describes working in a number of gang jobs: cane cutting, sugar mills, builders labourer, droving, driving trucks, and shearing sheep.

Bob Gleeson recalls that he knew about the ALP Split in 1957, and describes Jack Egerton taking over power from AWU Secretary and Party President, Joe Bukowski. He recalls that the AWU then left the ALP, but at the time Gleeson was quite young. He states that he knew of the Egerton/Bukowski working agreement around the Shearers Strike of 1956, but again, this was when Gleeson was still very young.

Bob Gleeson explains that his name appeared on the 1980 ALP Senate ticket, following Jim Keeffe and Gerry Jones. He states that while the literature described him as 'a grazier from Longreach' his main profession was always as shearing contractor and he was always a union member.

Bob Gleeson discusses events at the 1963 ALP Convention, but underlines the enduring two-way respect between the Trades Hall Group and the AWU even though it was stretched at times of conflict. He recalls how his bush branch of the ALP heard about the 1977 Reform Group formation and outlines his views on the reformers. He states the view that the National Executive were behind the push for reform. 

Bob Gleeson outlines ALP activities in a small country town in western Queensland during the 1960s and 1970s and discusses branch activities and participation in elections.

Bob Gleeson recounts that there were no particular changes he wished to see in the ALP in those years. He discusses the shift in party control from the administrative wing to the parliamentary wing. 

Bob Gleeson comments on the social ferment of the 1960s and 1970s that did not filter through to the bush, although they actively discussed and supported many of the issues within their branch. He reflects on the major social policy issues which became part of the ALP platform, including medicare, workers compensation and annual leave.

Bob Gleeson describes the relationship between Neal Kane and Bill Hayden.

Bob Gleeson recalls dissatisfaction expressed at the 1979 ALP Rockhampton Conference.

Bob Gleeson considers that while the Trades Hall Group and AWU stuck together with the support of the majority of members through this period, other unions were coerced into joining the reform push. He states that some of these reform people later became prominent in politics. He reflects on the results of the reform era and that all sides accepted it in the end. He considers that credit should be given to leaders of the Old Guard for not splitting the party.

Bob Gleeson recalls the alliance of the AWU with the Socialist Left (SL) factions and the role of Errol Hodder.

Bob Gleeson reflects on why it took 9 years to win government after intervention, claiming that the Fitzgerald Inquiry conclusions precipitated changed attitudes and the media started to back the ALP.

Bob Gleeson reflects on the lessons for the party from intervention and expresses his views about the Labour movement and the ALP.