The Modest Member : The Life and Times of Bert Kelly

Author: Hal G. P. Colebatch
Format: Paperback
Publication year: 2012
Pages: 367
ISBN: 9781922168023
Publisher: Connor Court Publishing
RRP: $39.95
Categories: Australian Biography, Australian Politics, Australian History, Economics
Includes: Photographs, bibliography and index

Synopsis

Bert Kelly was never a conventional politician. The South Australian farmer entered Federal Parliament in 1958 with little interest in titles, power or personal advancement. Instead, he devoted his public life to challenging one of Australia’s most deeply entrenched orthodoxies: protectionism.

At a time when tariffs were defended by powerful interests across politics, business and organised labour, Kelly argued that they raised prices, protected inefficiency and weakened the industries Australia did best. His campaign often left him isolated, including within his own party, and brought him into direct conflict with the formidable Country Party leader Sir John “Black Jack” McEwen.

Yet Kelly possessed unusual weapons: patience, moral courage, clear economic reasoning and a wonderfully dry sense of humour. Through his parliamentary speeches and his celebrated “Modest Member” columns in the Australian Financial Review, he made complex economic ideas understandable, memorable and persuasive.

Hal G. P. Colebatch’s compelling biography tells the story of a principled parliamentarian who valued ideas above office and influence above recognition. Kelly did not live to claim political victory, but the reforms he championed helped transform modern Australia. This is an inspiring account of integrity, independence and the extraordinary power of one determined voice in public life.

Why This Book Matters

Long before economic reform became accepted policy, Bert Kelly was prepared to question the political consensus. He stood against powerful interests, frequently challenged his own side of politics and demonstrated that a parliamentarian could exert enormous influence without seeking the highest offices.

The Modest Member is essential reading for anyone interested in Australian politics, economic reform, the Liberal tradition and the rare politicians who place principle before personal advancement.

Meet the modest politician whose lonely campaign against protectionism helped transform Australia.

Search Keywords

Bert Kelly, Hal Colebatch, Australian political biography, Australian economic reform, free trade Australia, tariff reform, Liberal Party history, John McEwen, Australian Parliament, Australian political history