Modern History - Personalities

A detailed biography of John Curtin's life and political career. Includes timeline and references to sources and archives. Don't forget to use the content links on the left-side of the page to move through the different phases of Curtin's career.

John Curtin's speech from 1941 announcing Japan's entry into WWII and Australia's declaration of war on Japan. You can listen to the audio and also access the transcript of the speech. Available on Australian Screen, a National Film and Sound Archive of Australia initiative.

Entry on John Curtin from the Australian Dictionary of Biography.

A review and comment on Dr John Edwards' biography on John Curtin. Published on Inside Story, an Australian current affairs site.

An article on Curtin by biographer Dr John Edwards. Originally published in The Australian.

Article from the Financial Review.

A collection of briefings given by Curtin to a select group of the Canberra Press Gallery journalists covering WWII from June 1942 to early 1945. Transcribed by journalist Fred Smith and compiled into an eBook.

A critique of John Edwards' biography on John Curtin by Hal G.P. Colebatch. Some detailed commentary on Curtin's leadership. Published in Quadrant.

Written by Caryn Coatney.

Interview with Dr John Edwards (researcher on John Curtin) on Curtin's strategic decision to switch alliances from Britain to the United States as a way of securing military assistance in the Pacific Theatre again the Japanese. Are there any lessons the present Government can learn as it navigates its relations between the US and China during these tense times?
Hosted by Geraldine Doogue.

An ABC Nightlife Podcast.
Did you know former Prime Minister John Curtin died in office, just six weeks before the end of the war in the Pacific? He was best known for guiding Australia through the tensions of 1944 and 45 and forming a strong ally in the US. We take a look at his life and the impact his leadership had on Australia