THE JOURNALIST
John Curtin's editorials for the Westralian Worker show the link between his private life and his political ideals. Under his editorship, the Westralian Worker pushed the argument for the need for social reform. At first John Curtin's energies were focused on fighting for the rights of the worker amidst the confusion of the war. This meant fighting against the second referendum on conscription in 1917, and showing that the only ones who benefited from the war were the profiteers. He was very critical of the Versailles Treaty, pointing out that the reparations imposed on Germany would only cause further militarism.

John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Records of the Curtin family, John Curtin aged 34, 1919, JCPML 00376/136.

Throughout the 1920s he became concerned with fighting for the rights of the returned service men. He continued to point out the evils of unbounded capitalism and to argue for the right to strike, for the absolute necessity of a strong industrial relations framework. He insisted that only full employment would ensure that all families were provided for and all children had access to education. His concern for the welfare of families saw him support the need for a social welfare system paid for by the Federal Government.

In foreign policy he continued to argue the pacifist line while also pointing out that Australia needed to ensure that it was capable of defending itself. For the first time, we see him beginning to place 'the national interest' above the interests of the socialist cause. These were the same themes that motivated his work when he became a Parliamentarian in 1928.

Extract from oral history of Frank Davidson, journalist

John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Records of the Curtin family, Australian Journalists' Association, Western Australian District Committee 1921-22 (J. Curtin President), JCPML 00376/4.
John Curtin is seated at the centre.

A HARD-WORKING JOURNALIST
John Curtin took his job as a newspaper editor very seriously, seeing himself as a journalist. He was a member of the Australian Journalists' Association and the President of the Western Australian District Committee. He was interested in the education of journalists and was involved in a series of classes at the University of Western Australia.

"When the day comes that there are no strikes and revolts, no virile protest against the barbarity and injustice of a mad economic form of life, then shall we lose all hope for the progress and freedom of mankind, nay, more, we shall despair even of the survival of the race itself" (Westralian Worker, 8 October, 1920).

John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, Records of the Australian Labor Party (WA Branch), Westralian Worker Building, c1920, JCPML 00379/1
John Curtin leaning against the verandah post, fourth from right.
(Original held by ALP WA Branch).