Twenty Years' Hard Labor

by Leslie Haylen

When Leslie Haylen stood for the Sydney seat of Parkes in 1943 he didn't have much in his favour. Parkes was a good Liberal seat, Haylen a journalist who'd lost his job, a Catholic who'd left the Church, a Labor candidate without a working-class or trade union background. He was even known to indulge in writing poetry and plays. Winning Parkes was a splendid achievement after a hard fight, but it was nothing compared to the battles he was to have in his twenty years in the House of Representatives.

Twenty Years' Hard Labour tells something of those battles and the disillusionment they brought, not only with the parliamentary process, but with the Labor movement and the general level of intelligence in the electorate. In a wry way Haylen tells his own story at the same time telling a great deal more about his friends, his enemies, and his colleagues, such figures as 'Chif', 'the Doc', Eddie Ward, Calwell, Menzies, and 'the Young Brolga'—Gough Whitlam. Just as Haylen himself was far from a conventional political, Twenty Years' Hard Labor is far from a conventional politician's memoirs. Its style is casual, irreverent, and very amusing. The playwright and novelist win over the political correspondent, and the book is rich in anecdotes, characters, and incidents, a splendid source of yarns and political legends. Haylen himself would be the first to admit that what happens in parliament is largely a waste of time, the the A.L.P. is a monster, merciless, irrational, and heedless of those who serve it well, yet there is no doubt where his allegiance lies. The book is also the justification for his unswerving devotion to the Left.

211 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1969

About the author

Leslie Clement "Les" Haylen, also known by the pen-name Sutton Woodfield, was an Australian politician, playwright, novelist, and journalist. He represented the federal division of Parkes from 1943 to 1963 for the Labor Party, and was in its left wing. Narrowly missing a place in cabinet, he remained a backbencher until he lost his seat.

Reviews

[Nicco · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Australian hates his leaders. He likes to load his miseries on 'that bloke in Canberra' whichever party is in power."

This was an unexpectedly pleasant read with fascinating moments, spoken through Les Haylen. His devotion to the Labor cause, but without the party blinders, is a refreshing read considering the state of the party now.

An honest, critical reflection on his time in parliament and the characters he interacted with, both within and outside the Labor party, that made for a great read.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great bit of Labor history. Haylen is a witty writer and the book is sprinkled with amusing anecdotes. The last couple of chapters haven’t aged well, but still worth a read for anyone with an interest in ALP history.