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A collage graphic of prominent Australian politicians making speeches.
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Showing 5 results of 17

Herbert Evatt – 1954
Tonight, I place before you Labor’s Programme for the next three years. It is a positive Programme. It is practical. It can and will be given full effect to by a Labor Government. Specific mandate asked for We ask you for a mandate to carry out this Programme. We shall carry out the mandate. Unlike the Menzies/Fadden Government we shall carry out all the promises we make to you. Security is the basis of Labor’s programme The primary aim of Labor will be to provide a government that will give the...
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Herbert Evatt – 1955
The failure of the Government This is a vital election. The Menzies Government knows that, if it waits until next year, it will be defeated. The result of its mismanagement of the economy cannot be avoided for much longer. So, this Government had decided that the people will be pit to the expense of an early election– the fifth Federal election in six years. The Menzies-Fadden Government was re-elected only last year. It had more than eighteen months of office to serve. Yet it abdicated. Why...
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Arthur Calwell – 1961
I speak to you tonight as the Leader of the Labor Party in the Commonwealth of Australia. I present the Labor Party’s Policy at this election of the 24th Parliament of the Commonwealth with the firm conviction that it contains practical, down-to-earth, well-considered and feasible proposals which will restore the nation to prosperity and promote its safety. It is important that the issues on which the election will be decided should be clearly stated and clearly understood. The sad thing about...
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Harold Holt – 1966
This Policy Speech – my first as your Prime Minister – outlines the course my Government will follow if you re-elect us on November 26. Between now and polling day, our Australian democracy will be involved in a great debate about many aspects of policy. You will be taking part in a national stock-taking. The policies you support with your vote will bear directly on your well-being and the welfare of the nation. These will be critical years for Australia, but they hold great promise for our...
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John Gorton – 1969
A little less than twenty years ago the Australian people dismissed a Labor Government and installed a Liberal, Country Party coalition. They were tired of controls, for the sake of controls. They were dismayed by unemployment and general strikes. They were frightened of the doctrinaire socialist approach of a Labor Party strongly influenced by communist unions. They were sick of stagnation. So, they turned to us, who believe the individual is the basis of the State, and that the State will best...
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Discover patterns in political speech

Explore how language in Australian election speeches has evolved – from the rise of terms like internet and terrorism, to shifts in readability and speech length over time.

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