Understanding Victoria is a new series of discussions about key periods and themes in Victoria's history.

These first three discussions focused on the nature and shape of our democracy:

  • The first discussion was concerned with the impact of the gold rush 1850s - 60s on the formation of the new Colony of Victoria. More information on this discussion, entitled “Disturbing the order of things." 

  • The second discussion focused on Federation, the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia, from the late 1890s to 1914 and the role of Victoria in this significant moment. More information on this discussion, entitled “Faith in the people?” 

  • The third discussion covered the period in the 1960s and 1970s when a range of political protest movements, and the surge of migration, challenged and changed the State of Victoria.

2025 marks a new set of conversations about key elements of social and political policy in the 20th century - again, issues of particular resonance and movement in Victoria are to be discussed.

  • The creation of what was termed “a new practice for law and order” and the concept of the “living wage”, in the way the economic and social policy should proceed was the first topic for 2025, titled: "A Wage Earners’ Welfare State: From the 8 Hour Day to Harvester."

 

Reviewed 15/05/2025
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