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Articles on Robert Menzies

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Robert Menzies established a ‘buffer body’ between government and universities. Shutterstock

Don’t just blame the Libs for treating universities harshly. Labor’s 1980s policies ushered in government interference

Liberal Prime Minister Robert Menzies insisted universities should have protection from political interference. But Bob Hawke’s education minister John Dawkins dismantled these protections.
Heather Henderson and Mary Elizabeth Calwell reflect on their fathers’ legacies, growing up in a political environment, and offer their perspectives on a different era in politics. Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP

Politics with Michelle Grattan: daughters of Robert Menzies and Arthur Calwell say parliament wasn’t always a ‘fort’

Daughters of Robert Menzies and Arthur Calwell say parliament wasn’t always a “fort” The Conversation, CC BY79.2 MB (download)
Last week, Michelle Grattan moderated a very special discussion with the daughters of Menzies and Calwell at Parliament House. This podcast episode is a recording of that event.
Arthur Caldwell almost defeated Robert Menzies in the 1961 federal election, dominated by debate over the economy and unemployment. National Archives, National Library of Australia, Wikimedia

Issues that swung elections: the ‘credit squeeze’ that nearly swept Menzies from power in 1961

In 1960, Harold Holt, the then-treasurer, urged the government to abolish import restrictions, resulting in a minor recession. This nearly swung the election in the ALP’s favour.
It is becoming harder to argue that neoliberal market solutions, from tax cuts to deregulation, will necessarily benefit and protect ordinary voters. AAP/Mick Tsikas

Win or lose the next election, it may be time for the Liberals to rethink their economic narrative

Whether they form the next government or not, the Liberals need to reconsider their reliance on neoliberal economics, which may no longer be serving the party – or the country.
In his speech Frydenberg repeats Scott Morrison’s warning that storm clouds hang over the global economy. Alex Murray/AAP

Frydenberg warns of economic waves ahead

As it approaches the election, the government’s economic pitch on its record is being linked to the argument that the Coalition is the best manager in uncertain times.

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