Births on January 26

Michael Considine, Irish-Australian politician (d. 1959)

Michael Patrick Considine (circa 26 January 1885 – 2 November 1959) was a prominent Irish-born Australian political figure and dedicated unionist whose career was marked by conviction and controversy. His journey from an industrial labour advocate to a federal Member of Parliament, representing the significant mining seat of Barrier in the House of Representatives from 1917 to 1922, reflects a tumultuous period in Australian political history.

Unionist Roots and Early Political Engagement

Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Considine emigrated to Australia around 1900, immersing himself in the burgeoning labour movement. He quickly became a pivotal figure within the trade union landscape, particularly in the radical mining town of Broken Hill, New South Wales. His strong advocacy for workers' rights saw him rise through the ranks, gaining a reputation as a fearless voice for the working class. This deep engagement with unionism paved his way into federal politics, where he sought to champion the cause of labour directly within the Australian Parliament.

Representation of Barrier (1917-1922)

Considine's election to the House of Representatives for the Division of Barrier in 1917 was notable. The Barrier electorate, centred on the highly industrialised mining city of Broken Hill, was a hotbed of radical unionism and a stronghold for the labour movement. Its population, largely comprised of miners and their families, was deeply sympathetic to socialist and labour causes. Considine's victory came amidst the highly divisive backdrop of World War I, specifically the contentious conscription referendums that deeply fractured the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Considine, aligning with the anti-conscriptionist faction of the ALP, successfully secured his parliamentary seat during a period of intense national debate and political realignment, demonstrating the unique political character of his constituency.

A Controversial Political Figure

Considine's unwavering principles often placed him at odds with the mainstream political establishment, earning him the reputation of a controversial figure. His most significant clash with the Australian Labor Party stemmed from his staunch opposition to conscription during World War I, a stance that resonated strongly with a segment of the labour movement but led to a severe schism within the ALP. This firm position, coupled with his vocal support for more radical labour causes, including sympathy for groups like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) – often referred to as "Wobblies" – ultimately led to intense pressure for his resignation from the ALP. Consequently, he found himself politically isolated from the party that had initially brought him to parliament, highlighting the deep divisions within Australian politics at the time.

Independent Path and Socialist Affiliation

Despite his forced departure from the ALP, Considine demonstrated his considerable independent appeal by successfully re-contesting and winning the Barrier seat in the 1919 federal election as an independent candidate. This remarkable victory underscored his personal popularity and the unique political leanings of the Barrier electorate, which continued to back his radical, anti-establishment views. Following this independent success, in 1920, he formally joined the Socialist Labor Party (SLP). The SLP was a small, more ideologically radical party compared to the ALP, advocating for a revolutionary transformation of society rather than incremental reforms. His affiliation with the SLP further solidified his image as a politician committed to fundamental socialist principles, even if it meant operating outside the larger, more pragmatic labour party.

Electoral Redistribution and Concluding Career

Considine's federal parliamentary career concluded with the 1922 federal election, largely due to significant electoral boundary changes. The Division of Barrier, which he had so effectively represented, was abolished as part of a nationwide redistribution of electorates designed to account for population shifts and ensure more equitable representation across Australia. This meant Considine no longer had his established base to contest. He attempted to transfer his political influence to the new seat of Darling, a much larger and predominantly rural electorate in western New South Wales. However, despite his previous parliamentary experience and strong labour credentials, he was ultimately defeated in this attempt. This electoral challenge marked the end of his time in the House of Representatives, concluding a dynamic, albeit brief, period in federal politics for this outspoken unionist and socialist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Patrick Considine

Who was Michael Patrick Considine?

Michael Patrick Considine was an influential Irish-born Australian politician and a prominent trade unionist. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives for the Division of Barrier from 1917 to 1922, becoming known for his independent and often controversial political stands, especially regarding workers' rights and anti-conscription.

Which parliamentary seat did Michael Considine represent?

He represented the federal electoral Division of Barrier, which encompassed the significant industrial mining city of Broken Hill in New South Wales. This region was renowned for its strong union traditions and often radical labour politics, making it a fitting base for Considine's political ideology.

Why was Michael Considine considered a controversial figure?

Considine was deemed controversial primarily due to his unwavering anti-conscription stance during World War I, which led to a significant and public conflict within the Australian Labor Party (ALP). His vocal advocacy for more radical socialist and unionist causes, including sympathy for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), also set him apart from mainstream politics and contributed to his contentious reputation.

Why did Michael Considine leave the Australian Labor Party (ALP)?

He was pressured to resign from the ALP, effectively being expelled, due to his principled opposition to military conscription during WWI and his alignment with more revolutionary socialist and syndicalist ideas that conflicted with the ALP's evolving, more moderate political platform at the time.

What happened to Michael Considine's parliamentary seat in 1922?

His seat, the Division of Barrier, was abolished as part of a federal electoral redistribution prior to the 1922 election. This redrawing of electoral boundaries, necessitated by population changes, meant that Considine's established constituency no longer existed, prompting his unsuccessful attempt to win the neighbouring seat of Darling.