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 claims that the ALP in Gregory was functioning well at maintaining the ALP vote. He says they never lost their passion and enthusiasm, upholding the 40% primary vote from bush electors who always voted ALP. He expresses pride that the ALP was seen to fight on principled issues, not populist issues.
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 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.
