'Citizens who serve': the political rights of Victorian public servants, 1856-1916

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Title: 'Citizens who serve': the political rights of Victorian public servants, 1856-1916
Author(s): Halse, Dustin
Abstract: The history of legal restrictions imposed upon Victorian departmental public servants dates from the introduction of responsible government in 1856. This article examines the evolution of Victorian public service regulations by paying particular attention to the historical influence of the master and servant legacy. Viewed through this lens, it becomes apparent that the ‘public servant’ was subject to political coercion and persistent accusations of ineptitude by successive governments down to World War I, being labelled as self-interested and seditious. In response, public servants, with the aid of the public service union, collectively opposed the limited parameters of their political status. By daring to challenge the rationale underpinning political rights regulations, public servants came into direct conflict with the political executive and a unique public service work culture emerged.
Publication type: Journal article
Source: Labour History, No. 102, (May 2012), pp. 157-176
Publication year: 2012
FOR Code(s): 1503 Business and Management; 2103 Historical Studies; 2202 History and Philosophy of Specific Fields
Keyword(s): Australia; Legal restrictions; Public service; Victorian public servants
Publisher: Australian Society for the Study of Labour History
ISSN: 0023-6942
Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5263/labourhistory.102.0157
Peer reviewed