Queensland Labor Party (1957–1978)

The Queensland Labor Party (QLP) during the period 1957–1978 represents a significant chapter in the party's history, marked by a prolonged period in opposition and internal factional struggles. Following the defeat of the Labor government led by Vince Gair in 1957, the party entered a period of opposition that would last for two decades. This era was characterized by several key features:

• The Split: The period was significantly impacted by the 1955 Federal Labor Split, although its full consequences in Queensland played out over several years. The lingering effects of this division within the party contributed to internal conflict and hampered the party's ability to effectively challenge the dominant Country and Liberal National Party coalition.

• Leadership Changes: The party saw several leadership changes during this time, reflecting the internal tensions and the challenges of building a cohesive opposition strategy. While specific leader names and their tenures would need further detailed research to accurately document, the frequent shifts highlight the instability within the party.

• Policy Developments: While specific policy positions require further research to properly detail, it is likely the party continued to advocate for workers' rights, social justice, and potentially the development of Queensland's economy, albeit from the opposition benches. The specific focus and evolution of these policy platforms during this period requires more in-depth investigation.

• Election Results: The QLP faced significant electoral challenges during this period, consistently losing to the coalition government. Detailed election results and vote shares for each election require further analysis.

• Relationship with Federal Labor: The relationship between the Queensland and Federal branches of the Labor Party during this period warrants further exploration. The level of cooperation and coordination, or potential conflict, between the state and federal wings requires further research.

Further Research Needed:

To create a more comprehensive encyclopedia entry, further research is needed to provide detailed information on:

• Specific leaders and their tenures.
• Detailed analysis of the impact of the Federal Labor Split on the Queensland branch.
• Specific policy positions and platforms adopted by the party.
• Comprehensive election results and analysis for each election held during this period.
• A deeper understanding of the party's internal factions and their dynamics.
• The relationship between the Queensland and Federal Labor parties during this era.

This entry serves as a preliminary overview and requires substantial expansion to offer a complete and accurate representation of the Queensland Labor Party between 1957 and 1978.