Dynasties. Series 1, A liberal legacy / by Janet Bell.

Format:

Video

Contributor:

Bell, Janet., Producer.

Series:

Academic Video Online

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Downer family.

Families--Australia.

Families.

Australia--History.

Australia.

Australia--Politics and government.

Genre:

Documentary films.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (27 min.).

Place of Publication:

New South Wales : ABC Commercial, 2002.

Language Note:

In English.

Original language in English.

Summary:

In Australia, politics is as dynastic as it is democratic. Many of today's serving parliamentarians are following in the footsteps of their fathers. But few can claim three generations of a political legacy, as can Alexander Downer, Australia's Foreign Minister. In Australia, politics is as dynastic as it is democratic. Many of today's serving parliamentarians are following in the footsteps of their fathers. But few can claim three generations of a political legacy, as can Alexander Downer, Australia's foreign minister. His grandfather, Sir John Downer was the Premier of South Australia and a founding father of Federation. Alexander Downer's father, Sir Alexander, was Minister for Immigration in Sir Robert Menzie's government. With such a heritage, Alexander Downer can truly claim to have been 'born of the Liberal Party'. Indeed, he received career advice from no other than Menzies himself, at his father's request. But Alexander Downer is also a scion of the Adelaide establishment "” a class that has its roots in the founding of South Australia, a uniquely convict-free colony built on the reformist principles of political and religious tolerance. His grandfather supported women's suffrage; his father encouraged a loosening of Australia's Anglo-centric immigration policies. Alexander Downer has had to juggle this inheritance with the realities of contemporary politics. He has had to overcome a cosseted background to survive media and public scrutiny "” and to champion a new hard-right political landscape, far removed from the small 'l' liberal values of his antecedents. What hasn't changed is that politics for the Downers remains a family affair. This half-hour program meets the standard bearers of the Downer legacy, including its irrepressible matriarch, Lady Mary Downer, and follows the passing of the flame to successive generations.

Notes:

Title from resource description page (viewed October 29, 2014).

In Australia, politics is as dynastic as it is democratic. Many of today's serving parliamentarians are following in the footsteps of their fathers. But few can claim three generations of a political legacy, as can Alexander Downer, Australia's Foreign Minister. His grandfather, Sir John Downer was the Premier of South Australia and a founding father of Federation. Alexander Downer's father, Sir Alexander, was Minister for Immigration in Sir Robert Menzie's government. With such a heritage, Alexander Downer can truly claim to have been 'born of the Liberal Party'. Indeed, he received career advice from no other than Menzies himself, at his father's request. But Alexander Downer is also a scion of the Adelaide establishment -- a class that has its roots in the founding of South Australia, a uniquely convict-free colony built on the reformist principles of political and religious tolerance. His grandfather supported women's suffrage; his father encouraged a loosening of Australia's Anglo-centric immigration policies. Alexander Downer has had to juggle this inheritance with the realities of contemporary politics. He has had to overcome a cosseted background to survive media and public scrutiny -- and to champion a new hard-right political landscape, far removed from the small 'l' liberal values of his antecedents. What hasn't changed is that politics for the Downers remains a family affair. This half-hour program meets the standard bearers of the Downer legacy, including its irrepressible matriarch, Lady Mary Downer, and follows the passing of the flame to successive generations.

OCLC:

897480277