Topic 7 People Power and Politics in the Post-war Period  

 

This topic is designed to facilitate studentsí knowledge and understanding of some key 

political issues and developments of the post-WWII period, both within Australia and in 

Australiaís international relationships. An important focus of this unit is the role played by 

both individuals and groups in the democratic process. Students are encouraged to explore the 

different perspectives of those engaged in political action and to critically evaluate both the 

processes and the outcomes of such action. 

 

Inquiry questions 

• What role has Australia played in international affairs in the post-war period? 

• What have been some important political developments in post-war Australian history? 

• How have significant individuals and groups exercised their democratic rights in the post- 

war period? 

 

Outcomes 

Throughout this topic, students work towards all outcomes, with particular focus on those 

listed below. 

 

A student: 

5.1 explains social, political and cultural developments and events and evaluates their 

impact on Australian life 

5.2 assesses the impact of international events and relationships on Australiaís history 

5.3 explains the changing rights and freedoms of Aboriginal peoples and other groups in 

Australia 

5.7 explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past 

5.8 locates, selects and organises relevant historical information from a number of 

sources, including ICT, to undertake historical inquiry 

5.10 selects and uses appropriate oral, written and other forms, including ICT, to 

communicate effectively about the past for different audiences. 

 

Students learn about: Students learn to: 

Section A is mandatory.  

Section A: Australia as a Global Citizen 

• Australiaís role in the following: 

- United Nations, including UNESCO, and UN conventions regional agreements, including Colombo Plan, APEC 

• outline key developments in Australiaís role within the UN in the post-war period 

• assess an achievement of Australia in its role within the UN 

• explain the purpose of Australiaís regional agreements 

 

Section B: People Power  

Section B: a choice of ONE event/issue and related individual 

Events                                Issues Individuals 

- Freedom Rides                - Charles Perkins 

- Womenís Liberation       – Germaine Greer 

- Green bans                   – Jack Mundey 

- Whitlam dismissal         - Sir John Kerr 

- Green politics               - Bob Brown 

- Republicanism               – Paul Keating 

-One Nation                      - Pauline Hanson 

•   examine the role of the significant individual in the chosen study 

• assess the significance of the chosen study for Australia in the post-war period 

 

 

Section C: Prime Ministers and Policies  one Prime Minister in the post-war period 

Section C: ONE Prime Minister and Policy 

 • outline and explain a major policy or issue of the term of office of the chosen Prime Minister 

• assess the contribution of the chosen Prime Minister to Australiaís post-war development