Referendum to ban Communist Party

Question 1

List 5 australia’s response to the threat of communism:

Answer 1

1. Referendum to ban the communist party, 1951
2. The korean war 1950-1953
3. ANZUS Treaty 1951
4. SEATO Alliance 1954-1977
5. The Petrov Affair 1954

Question 2

In 1950, what actions were taken against the Communist Party in Australia? Who introduced it?

Answer 2

A bill to outlaw the Communist Party, confiscate its property and stop any communist from working in government or union. Introduced by the leader of the Liberal Party, Robert Menzies.

Question 3

Many Australians were convinced of danger and believed that our prosperity was threatened by….?

Answer 3

communists who had infiltrated our trade unions and political parties.

Question 4

Communists and their sympathisers were known as?

Answer 4

‘reds under the bed’
Regarded as un-Australian and potential subversives ( person attempting to cause downfall of gov or particular way of life)

Question 5

How many members did the communist party have in 1945?

Answer 5

24 000

Question 6

What was the outcome of the bill?

Answer 6

Many enraged people from the clause in the legislation where once declared a communist, it was up to themselves to prove innocence. Threatened individual rights and freedoms.
ten trade unions and the Australian Communist Party challenged the bill in the Australian High Court. Argued only during wartime should a democratic government have the power to control the rights of citizens.
High Court agreed and ruled Bill as being unconstitutional (in violation of the laws of a nation or state).

Question 7

The Referendum ( 22 September 1951):

Answer 7

After rejection, goes to the people to outlaw communist party. Most bitterly fought in Australia’s history. Many public forces advocated yes. Only 60 000 gap. The no majority was not large so threat of communism remains alive as an issue within Australian politics.