Sir Robert Menzies

Posted in 1940

  • Prime Minister Robert MenziesMenzies places a ban on the Communist Party for security reasons. It is removed late in 1941 after Communist assurances of cooperation in the war effort are accepted by Labor's Attorney-General Evatt.
  • March: The Country Party re-enters a coalition with the UAP after withdrawing the year before when Page refused to work with Menzies.
  • March 11: Coal miners strike for higher pay and a 40-hour week - 200 mines across Australia stop production. The government orders mines to reopen using volunteer labour. The strikers return to work two months later after agreeing to abide by any Arbitration Court award.
  • September: The Menzies coalition government is weakened after losses to Labor at the general election.

Speaking to striking miners