Queensland's Place in Labour History
Queensland holds a special place in helping shape Australia’s labour movement and the ongoing legacy of workers’ rights. In the late 19th century, workers were faced with difficult conditions and limited protections. It was in this context that organised labour began to take shape, driven by a collective belief in fairness, opportunity, and reform.
The defining moments
Queensland's foundational place in history began in 1891 when striking shearers gathered beneath what has become known as the Tree of Knowledge in Barcaldine during The Great Shearers Strike'. Now represented as an icon of the Labor Party and Trades Unions, the Tree of Knowledge symbolises the foundation of the organised representation of labour in Queensland and birthplace of the Australian Labor Party.
On 9th September 1892 the Manifesto of the Queensland Labour Party was read out under the tree following the Great Shearers' Strike. The manifesto is now held by the State Library of Queensland.
On 27th April 1904, Chris Watson became Australia's first Labor Prime Minister, as well as the first national Labour head of government anywhere in the world, though his was a minority government that lasted for just four months, its impact was far-reaching, laying the groundwork for labour movements globally.
The work continues
Labour activism in Queensland didn't stop there. The early years of the 20th century saw significant industrial action and political engagement as workers and unions continued to fight for improved rights and conditions.
One such event was the General Strike of 1912, which began with a Tramways Union dispute about the right to wear union badges and escalated quickly until at its peak up to 25,000 demonstrators and 50,000 supporters were involved. Remembering that this was at a time when the total population of Queensland was little over 636,000.
Events such as these continued to galvanise support and solidarity across the state, contributing to the growing strength of the labour movement.
Throughout the 20th century, Queensland’s labour movement continued to evolve, engaging in industrial disputes and shaping political discourse. From strikes in the railway and other sectors to legislative reforms and growing union influence, the actions of organised labour helped define how work, representation, and fairness are understood in modern Queensland.
The spirit lives on
Queensland's place in history lives on at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre (AWHC), where the only a direct descendant of the Tree of Knowledge, the ‘Young-Un’ lives on. Planted on May 2nd, 2005, the 'Young Un' continues to act as a symbol of opportunity, fairness and solidarity.
The 'Young Un' Exhibition Trail at the AWHC takes visitors on a journey of discovery on how the events which occurred during the 1891 Shearers’ Strike have had dramatic impact on the lives of Australians ever since and earned Barcaldine it’s place in history.
