Fred Paterson & the St Patrick’s Day Bash

When the ‘people’s champion’ got walloped 

Fred Paterson… on March 17 1948, Australia’s only Communist Party MP Fred Paterson was smashed from behind by a Queensland policeman.

 By Ross Fitzgerald

As we approach St Patrick’s Day, politically aware readers should know that in Brisbane on March 17 1948, Australia’s only Communist Party MP Fred Paterson was savagely smashed from behind by a Queensland policeman. 

Prof Ross Fitzgerald.

Some time after it occurred, this attack on Paterson became known as The Great St Patrick’s Day Bash. 

Yet most Australians, including a …

Friends  FYI the first review of Rowan Dean’s bio of Barry H. cheers Roscoe 0419 661869

The last laugh: The unforgettable and irreplaceable Barry Humphries

Rowan Dean’s book about the late great Barry Humphries is as edifying as it is entertaining

Written by Phil Brown

Barry Humphries and Ross Fitzgerald lunching in Sydney – a photo from The Many Lives of Barry Humphries by Rowan Dean

Phil Brown

It’s still hard to believe that Barry Humphries has left the building (a euphemism for the planet) for good. Mind you, he had a pretty good innings. An …

Politicians at every level need to lose their booze
Ross Fitzgerald
Last week on Brisbane radio I briefly canvassed a proposal that all our state & federal parliamentary buildings should be alcohol-free zones. 
At first glance, this might seem to be either outlandishly radical or an example of wowserism.
But it’s important to note that in 2024 many workplaces involved in critical decision-making processes are now required to be alcohol-free zones.
For example, health professionals throughout Australia are required to be alcohol and drug free at work. 
Indeed a senior nurse at a major hospital informs …