History of the Democratic Labour Party SA
1940s - 50s
B. A. Santamaria creates Industrial Groups to oppose the ascendant power of the Communist Party of Australia within the unions and the ALP.
1955
Federal ALP leader "Doc" Evatt attacks the Industrial Groups and blames them for defeat at the 1949 election
Early 1955
Federal ALP dissolves the Victorian state executive and begins expelling Industrial Group supporters from the party.
19 April 1955
Expelled ALP members vote to bring down the Victorian Government
May 1955
Labor (Anti-Communist) forms branches around Australia including in South Australia.
28 May 1955
The expelled ALP members contest the Victorian election as the Labor (Anti-Communist) Party, winning 12.6% of the vote, but winning only one seat.
10 December 1955
Labor (Anti-Communist) contests its first Federal election, running three candidates in SA.
3 March 1956
Labor (Anti-Communist) SA contests its first State election, running in 10 seats. Labor (A-C) won 7.44% of the overall vote, achieving 25% in Edwardstown.
