Vince Dobinson discusses a demarcation dispute between the AWU and the BLF in North Queensland over the Hay Point coal terminal approach trestle in 1970. He comments on his role in the case.
Barbara Cross recalls that ALP branch people were not in factions in the early 1970s which were always the union left (Trades Hall aligned) and the right (AWU aligned). She states that reform was needed because the ALP couldn't win elections without getting the best candidates up.
Manfred Cross and Barbara Cross discuss the ALP's lack of support for Aboriginal issues in those days with the exception of individuals such as George Pont, the AWU District Secretary Far North Queensland. Manfred Cross relates that he and others started the Queensland Council for the Advancement of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, visiting Canberra to progress these issues with support from Gordon Bryant, the ALP member for Wills in Victoria.
Manfred Cross discusses the Trades and Labor Council Executive including Jack Devereux, Frank Waters, Archie Dawson, and the AWU, ARU and ETU officials.
Manfred Cross speaks about the influence of the unions on the ALP, relating that in the early days the AWU faction controlled the party including William Forgan-Smith. He remembers Ned Hanlon from the Australian Railways Union (ARU) as the first non-AWU, ALP leader. Manfred and Barbara discuss Jack Egerton.
