MVM 1944

The Birth of the Liberal Party:

"At Menzies' invitation, state and federal MPs and delegates from 18 other bodies met in Canberra from October 13-16, 1944, for a "unity conference" of non-Labour organisations. The name "Liberal" was adopted, and the new Liberal Party was formally constituted at another conference in Albury on December 14-16."
The Macquarie Book of Events, 1983 p 349.

"Robert Menzies founded the Liberal Party to represent what he called 'the forgotten people'- the office workers, shopkeepers and small business owners who supported themselves and their families with what they earned and who did not look to governments for assistance."
Parliament@Work web site, © Commonwealth of Australia 2000

The new Liberal Party is formally constituted in Albury 4

Australian and American troops advance in New Guinea.

Opposition Leader Robert Menzies establishes a non-Labor political party, the Liberal Party of Australia:

"The Liberal Party of Australia promotes 'free enterprise' and individual liberty: the idea that businesses and individuals should be free to pursue their interests and develop wealth with limited government controls to ensure fair dealing. It argues that the greatest benefits will flow to all citizens if governments encourage business, restrict intervention, and keep services limited to helping those in the community with most need whilst still encouraging self-reliance."
Parliament@Work web site, © Commonwealth of Australia 2000

Australia is in the grip of drought.

Meat rationing is introduced.

Uranium exploration begins on a large scale.

Soldiers James McAuley and Harold Stewart dupe a magazine editor into publishing the work of fictional poet Ern Malley.

Australian troops in New Guinea 1

American troops advance in the Pacific, land in the Philippines. Japanese retreat in New Guinea.

June 6: D-Day - over 4,000 ships land Allied troops in Normandy, France.

The Allies liberate Paris and Brussels.

Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh declares independence from France.

Britain to provide secondary education for all children.

US landing craft
in the Pacific 16

Allied invasion fleet heads for France
16

A child in France salutes the allied forces 16

Charles de Gaulle
16


	The Birth of the Liberal Party: "At Menzies' invitation, state and federal MPs and delegates from 18 other bodies met in Canberra from October 13-16, 1944, for a "unity conference" of non-Labour organisations. The name "Liberal" was adopted, and the new Liberal Party was formally constituted at another conference in Albury on December 14-16." The Macquarie Book of Events, 1983 p 349. "Robert Menzies founded the Liberal Party to represent what he called 'the forgotten people'- the office workers, shopkeepers and small business owners who supported themselves and their families with what they earned and who did not look to governments for assistance." Parliament@Work web site, © Commonwealth of Australia 2000		The new Liberal Party is formally constituted in Albury 4