Australia's Communist Party: The Cold War Down Under
Synopsis
Frank Hardy, born on March 21, 1917, became a prominent figure in Australian communism, facing state surveillance from the ASIO for over 50 years.
Synopsis
Frank Hardy spoke at a Communist Party meeting at the Arab Bank in Melbourne on June 30, 1943. He was a prominent writer and a staunch communist, whose beliefs put him at odds with Australia’s intelligence agencies for decades. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) maintained a file on him that grew over 50 years. Contributions from his son Alan and granddaughter Marieke provide personal reflections on Hardy's life and the broader context of Cold War tensions in Australia.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Frank Hardy, the face of Australian communism.
- See how Azio tracked dissenting citizens for decades.
- Find out about the Communist Party's influence in Australia.
Did You Know
- Frank Hardy was born on March 21, 1917, and died on January 28, 1994.
- The Communist Party meeting at the Arab Bank took place on June 13, 1943.
- Azio maintained a file on Frank Hardy for over 50 years until his death.
- Frank Hardy was arrested and tried for criminal libel due to his writings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Frank Hardy born?
Frank Hardy was born on 21st of March 1917.
What was the purpose of Azio?
Azio is Australia's leading intelligence agency set up to identify spies and subversives who threaten the state from within.
What was Frank Hardy's relationship with the Communist Party?
Frank Hardy was the public face of communism in Australia and claimed that the Communist Party was the greatest unifying force in the community.
What are people saying?
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