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Labour History State Conference: History’s Wisdom - Key to Our FutureDate: 14 February 2026
Location: Adelaide University (Kaurna Country)
The Labour History Society (South Australia) invites you to the 2026 State Conference, History’s Wisdom - Key to Our Future. This year’s event will explore the vital lessons that Australian labour history offers as we confront the industrial, social, and political challenges of our time.
We meet at a pivotal moment for the labour movement. Union membership and power have declined, while the rise of AI and rapid technological change are reshaping the future of work. Precarious employment continues to erode wages and conditions, and workers confront intertwined crises of war, climate change, and unprecedented inequality. Meanwhile, the left grapples with the global resurgence of nationalist and divisive politics.
At the same time, a new generation of activists has emerged–within unions and across social movements–fighting for a vision of social justice in an era defined by transformation. These activists are reimagining the possibilities of collective action and asking fundamental questions: Why does labour history still matter? What lessons can we draw from the past to renew and strengthen our movement today?
The 2026 Labour History State Conference provides a forum to reflect on these questions. We will come together to discuss how the insights and experiences of the labour movement’s history can inspire and inform contemporary struggles for fairness, equality, and solidarity.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Frank Bongiorno, acclaimed historian and author, who will speak to the enduring relevance of labour history in understanding Australia’s present and shaping its future.
Dr Gemma Beale, National Research Officer for the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, is an expert on industrial relations, gender studies, precarious work, and the future of work. Gemma will address the conference on the subject of re-skilling demobilised workers due to industrial changes.
The program for the day includes:
• Diverse streams of presentations of labour history research
• Book launches
• Open panel discussions exploring how organised labour can respond to the changing world of work and industrial relations
Scholars, activists, unionists and community members are warmly invited to join this gathering to reflect, debate, and reaffirm the ongoing significance of labour history in today’s world.
Registrations are now open. Both registration options include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
• Full rate: $50
• Concession rate (unwaged and Labour History Society members): $30
Proposals for presentations are due by 30 November 2025. Presentations must not exceed 20 minutes in length. Ten minutes will be allotted at the end of each paper for questions. Please submit your abstract of no more than 250 words, including a short bio note and institutional affiliation (if applicable), to [email protected] by 30 November 2025.
Book your tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1497093
Enquiries: [email protected]
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Adelaide University, North Terrace Campus, University Of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus - Gate 5, Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia, Adelaide
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