From factions to parties in New South Wales : the transition begins, 1885-1892
Abstract
The emergence in 1886-87 of the political conflict
between freetrade and protection marked the beginning of a
period of far-reaching change in the politics of New South
Wales. The basic change that was initiated was the transition
from unprincipled personal factions to modern principled
political parties. Although this transition had not been
completed by the end of 1891, the five years after 1886 witnessed
steady progress in the gradual evolution of the characteristics
of modern political parties. Sophisticated
party structures were constructed; modern methods of electoral
management were formulated and put into operation; and
the basic elements of the 'caucus system' of party discipline
were introduced into the political system. Underlying all
these developments was a new concern for political philosophy
and principle as the chief determinant of political action
and behaviour, replacing the 'old order' standards of
personal prejudice and unprincipled opportunism.
Political change, however, was neither smooth nor
swift, and the residual strength and influence of 'old order'
values and politicians acted to slow down the rate of change
and to undermine its consolidation. Many of the changes and
developments effected prior to 1892 proved insubstantial and
short-lived. The most basic reason for this was the presence
of deep-seated principled disunity and doctrinal dissension
within each fiscal 'party'. Not until these destructive
internal 'party' conflicts had been eradicated could political
change proceed smoothly and be permanently consolidated.
The creation of that principled cohesion basic to a
true political party also depended upon the eradication of
internal tension and disunity. At the end of 1891, this was
still to be achieved.