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Author Archives: Jen Calderon

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Front cover of book in which ‘Burke and Australian Labor’ appeared.

(2020) Burke and Australian Labor

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2020

This essay suggests that Burkean ideas apply to the Australian labour tradition7 and help illuminate that tradition as well as enabling the explication of competing ideas that sit outside, sometimes in competition and sometimes as complementary.

The water gushes at the new Cotter Dam opening on 12 October 2013. In the frame are John Dymke, Chief Engineer, ACTEW, Katy Gallagher, Chief Minister, March Sullivan, CEO of ACTEW, and ACTEW Chair Michael Easson.

(2020) Three Decisions in Twenty-Five Years in Canberra

Urban Planning and TransportBy Jen CalderonAugust 21, 2020

In 25 years, as an independent Director of various ACT government corporations in energy, water, and urban planning, I participated in decisions that continue to shape the future of Canberra.

From the Tribune negatives, ON 161/Item 72, Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and courtesy of the Search Foundation, n.d., mid to late 1960s. Photo not published with the article.

(2020) Mundey’s Legacy

Urban Planning and TransportBy Jen CalderonAugust 20, 2020

John Bernard “Jack” Mundey (1929-2000), conservationist, union leader, activist, was an unlikely hero. This article briefly summarises his life, achievements and, finally, reflects on lessons from a life that endured more disappointments than triumphs.

Photo supplied by Vic Alhadeff from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and published in the Sydney Morning Herald with the obituary.

(2019) “Tell Them Your Memories…”: Jeremy Spinak (1982-2018)

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

Jeremy Mark Spinak, Jewish communal leader, businessman, politics aficionado, US Presidential history buff, husband, father – “Jez” to family and friends – passed away aged 36 just five months after diagnosis with pericardial mesothelioma, a phenomenally rare cancer associated with proximity to and inhalation of asbestos.

Ray of hope: Vince Higgins, secretary of the Federated Clerks Union, in front of the old Trades Hall building in Haymarket, which has been reprieved from demolition, 1987. Photo appeared with article.

(2019) A Warrior Departs: Vince Higgins (1927-2018)

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

The passing of Vincent Joseph (“Vince”) Higgins, union and Catholic activist, sees the demise of an important link to the turbulent clashes in the labour movement of the 1950s.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke speaking at the Labor Council of NSW Annual General Meeting, 1984, at the Sydney Town Hall. On the stage (seated) are from left to right, John MacBean (Assistant Secretary), Barrie Unsworth (Secretary), and Jim Gibson (President). Photo: from Michael Easson papers, Noel Butlin Archives, Menzies Library, Australian National University. (Photo not published with article).

(2019) Not Obvious He Would Be Great: Some Memories of R.J.L. Hawke

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

Australia’s greatest Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, entered the office with expectations that were precarious and low. His 1979 Boyer Lectures on ABC radio were wide ranging and lightweight. Ideas were kite flown as if they were wistful suggestions untied to each other and unmoored to earth.

(2019) Why We Lost – A Letter to Rodney Cavalier

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

All parties exist to win. I felt from the beginning of the campaign that there was no great mood for change, despite the shambles of the last three years. I expected, though, at the start that we would narrowly win because of the mess the government was in, not due to us.

In Michael Danby’s parliament house office in Canberra after his valedictory speech on 2 April 2019. From left to right, Zeke Solomon, Shane Easson, Mary Easson (sitting), Michael Danby, and Michael Easson.

(2019) Michael Educated Me: Notes of Danby Speech

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

Welcome to the Canopy Bar celebration. The back bar, front bar, and middle bar tributes are awaiting scheduling. I first met Michael Danby 42 years ago in the Trades Hall pub on the eve of a Young Labor conference. He was boisterous, opinionated, excited, and interesting.

Details of the Labor Ethos and Politics symposium.

(2019) Notes for Launch of Pabst Book

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

I will try to be brief, as the main event lies ahead: hearing from Adrian Pabst and queuing for his signature on a copy of the book.

Front cover of the Pabst book.

(2019) Story of Our Country

Political historyBy Jen CalderonAugust 26, 2019

Story of Our Country is an important book on the Australian Labor legacy and modern challenges. This review considers the challenge set out by the author and the gap between task and accomplishment.

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