Queensland Shearers Union

In 1886, the shearers began to organise themselves,[1] following a strike that had started at Wellshot Station and spread to surrounding properties.

[7] Conflict between the two groups, which also involved police, squatters and soldiers, arose at many towns across Queensland.

[1] Shearers and workers at stations affiliated with the United Pastoralists Association also rejected the new conditions and formed more camps.

After a general call-out to members of other unions in March 1891, arrests were made and in the following months many strike leaders were convicted of conspiracy.

His premiership was a first for the Australian Labor Party as well as the first parliamentary socialist government anywhere in the world.