In this Victoria, our dear land,
The first that dared be free,
To show the world what freedom meant
In new lands 'cross the sea
- Ode to the Eight Hours' PioneersHamilton MackinnonApril 21, 1896
- Ode to the Eight Hours' PioneersHamilton MackinnonApril 21, 1896
This year marks the 150th Anniversary of the gaining of the eight hour day for working people. As in so many things, there is rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. This time it is about who initiated the eight hour day. However, Melbourne doesn't give a fig. Here, it is full steam ahead with the celebrations.
As part of the Eight Hour Day 150th Anniversary Project, Melbourne Conversations is staging a special event this coming Thursday, 22 June, from 6.15 pm to 8.00 pm, at the RMIT Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne, opposite the Melbourne Town Hall.
The conversation is Working in Melbourne 1856-2056: Certainty and Uncertainty? An interesting panel has been assembled:
- Dr Phil Burgess, Group Managing Director, Public Policy and Communication, Telstra
- Richard Marles, Assistant Secretary, ACTU
- Dr Jill Murray, Senior Lecturer, La Trobe Law, La Trobe University
- Professor Barbara Pocock, Director of the Centre for Work and Life, University of South Australia
The MC for the evening is Peter Mares, presenter of The National Interest, on ABC's Radio National.
