Barrier Industrial Council

The town of Broken Hill has had a turbulent industrial history since its formation, with the harsh working conditions in the mines forging a strong culture of union militancy.

In 1921 the AMA was renamed the Workers' Industrial Union of Australia and joined the Trades and Labour Council in 1923.

[1] The BIC grew in power and influence over the 20th century as its control over the supply of labour in the isolated, and economically influential, town allowed it to dictate terms to both the mining companies and politicians in state government.

The conflict occurred when a council employee, Noel Latham, refused to pay a fine imposed by the BIC.

The BIC then excluded Latham from its membership by refusing to issue him a badge and asked the city council to dismiss him.