Ian McLean discusses the emergence of the factional system. He discusses the links between the left and unions and the role of the union movement in the modern Labor Party.
Ian McLean discusses the key factors that led to the federal intervention. He reflects on the personal effects of intervention and subsequent court case.
Ian McLean discusses the recognition of the need for intervention. He delves into the control the Inner Executive, the Trades Hall group, exercised over preselections and the conference. He tells of the growing frustration amongst branch members. He discusses the expansion of the Inner Executive but states the reform did not go far enough. He emphasises the role of unions in the push for intervention.
Ian McLean recalls what the Labor Party was like when he first joined. He reflects on the continued relevance of the 1957 split in the Labor Party. He states that the Inner Executive had strong control over the party.
Bill Hayden discusses his willingness to give up his position on the Inner Executive for Denis Murphy. He recalls his parents' support for the Labor Party and his own political temperament.
Bill Hayden discusses his own involvement in the reform group and Murphy's role in pushing him to promote intervention. He details factionalism in the Labor Party and his belief they are causing problems for the Labor Party today. He goes into the nature of Labor Party conference debates of the past which he describes as a real contest of ideas.
