John Howard's early political career started in 1967 when he joined the ACP (Australian Communist Party). He rose quickly through the ranks, attending anti-government protests and rallies. In 1960 he engineered a coalition between the local anarchist/communist/socialist/unionist groups, to lobby the government, and stage large disruptive protests. He continued this anti-authoritarian stance, until in 1974 when he met his mentor Peter Garret, a musician and activist, whose mild ways, swayed John towards the center of politics and towards the labour party. John Howard joined the labour party in 1976 and was elected leader in 1985. | John Howard's early political career started in 1967 when he joined the ACP (Australian Communist Party). He rose quickly through the ranks, attending anti-government protests and rallies. In 1960 he engineered a coalition between the local anarchist/communist/socialist/unionist groups, to lobby the government, and stage large disruptive protests. He continued this anti-authoritarian stance, until in 1974 when he met his mentor Peter Garret, a musician and activist, whose mild ways, swayed John towards the center of politics and towards the labour party. John Howard joined the labour party in 1976 and was elected leader in 1985. |