Political Life in South Australia in the 1870's

23 May 2023

The Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion invites you to attend

Political life in South Australia in the 1870's

In this public lecture Professor Alan Reid AM explores political life in South Australia in the 1870s, particularly the lives and contributions of the seven Premiers during that decade. The presentation is the third in a series tracing how South Australia’s democracy was shaped by personalities, ideas and events in colonial times. The lecture will examine who became parliamentary representatives and how they were elected, and will explore the frequent conflicts between the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. There will be a particular focus on the factions which caused the famous political instability (and which were a
precursor to political parties), and the characters who organised them.

Professor Emeritus Alan Reid AM is Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of South Australia. He has been a leading figure in some significant educational policy developments at the state and national levels; and his research and writing in education focuses on curriculum, education policy, and education and democracy. His most recent book Changing Australian Education: How policy is taking us backwards and what can be done about it was published in 2020 by Allen and Unwin and argues for new directions in Australian education. In the past two years he has been working on a project which traces the development of democracy in South Australia. Alan is currently a Board member of the History Trust of South Australia, and a member of the Education Innovation Council.