Common Cause was founded in 1943 as a vehicle for a number of idealistic community leaders of diverse backgrounds to discuss the post-war economic and social future of South Australia.
Charter members were:[1] The idealistic aims of the organisation found favour with a large section of the community, disenchanted by the Great Depression and tired of the war and looking forward to a future of industrial peace and prosperity.
E. S. Kiek of Parkin College made a passionate defence of Common Cause, and was supported by large number of ministers of religion who were also members.
treasurer L. J. Mulroney; minute secretary Maurice Brown; executive council Sidney Crawford, A.
In 1944 Common Cause published a booklet A Township starts to live : the valley of Barossa : South Australia's new community.