ASSLH Conference – The Spirit of 1975: Transformations in Australian Labour History

In 2025, the Melbourne Branch of the Australian Society for the Study of Labour History (ASSLH) will host the Society’s 19th Biennial Conference.

The conference will be held from 26 to 28 November 2025 and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the International Women’s Year, the dismissal of the Whitlam Government, and the end of the American War in Vietnam. 

The Spirit of 1975: Transformations in Australian Labour History invites historians and activists to take up this theme, as well as addressing wider issues and developments epitomised by the events of the 1970s in politics, protests, ideas, and cultural and social movements in Australia and abroad.

Also featured are two exhibitions by Neale Towart and Sam Wallman.

Bob Hawke speaking at a rally to protest the dismissal of the Whitlam government, 12 November 1975. Photographer unknown. Source: https://www.naa.gov.au/students-and-teachers/learning-resources/learning-resource-themes/government-and-democracy/prime-ministers-and-politicians/bob-hawke-protest-rally-during-whitlam-dismissal
Bob Hawke speaking at a rally to protest the dismissal of the Whitlam government, 12 November 1975. Photographer unknown. Source: https://www.naa.gov.au/students-and-teachers/learning-resources/learning-resource-themes/government-and-democracy/prime-ministers-and-politicians/bob-hawke-protest-rally-during-whitlam-dismissal

Hosted by the Victorian Trades Hall, The Spirit of 1975: Transformations in Australian Labour History is held under the general auspices of the Congress of Humanities and Social Sciences. The conference is organised by the Melbourne Branch of the Society. Convenors: Phillip Deery & Julie Kimber.

Links

Keynote Speakers

Registration

Conference Programme

In and Around Melbourne

Archived: Call For Papers: Panel Proposals & Abstract Submission

Congress of Humanities Conferences and Events

Registrants are welcome to attend the Historical Perspectives on and Development of Australian Labour Law Conference on Thursday, 27 November. The programme for that conference is available here. If you are attending that day, please let us know when registering for the conference.

Send enquiries via the text box below or contact the conference organisers via email.