Historical Context
Chris Watson was Australia's first Labor Prime Minister and while his 1904 government only survived for four months between April and August in 1904 it has the distinction of being the first Labor government anywhere in the world at a national level.
The Australian Labor Party, a democratic socialist party, has its origins in a strike by pastoral workers in the 1890s in the state of Queensland. It would go on to win the 1910 Federal election under Andrew Fisher and become the first Labor government to win a majority. It remains a major party in Australian political life.
Photo Info
Date taken: April 27, 1904
Location taken: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Source: Australian Prime Ministers Centre
Related Events
- 1904-04-27 The Australian Labor Party under Prime Minister Chris Watson becomes the first Labor government in the world
- 1904-08-18 Chris Watson resigns as Prime Minister of Australia and is succeeded by George Reid
- 1910-04-13 Australian General Election: the Commonwealth Liberal Party is defeated by the Australian Labor Party, headed by Andrew Fisher, who is able to form a majority government
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