1914 Australian federal election

Background

The 1913 federal election had given Cook's Liberal Party a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives. As prime minister, Cook faced significant difficulties in passing legislation, controlling the House only through the casting vote of the speaker and dealing with a substantial ALP majority in the Senate.

Double dissolution

Both the Liberals and ALP sought an early election with the aiming of breaking the political deadlock and securing majorities in both houses. In early 1914, the Senate twice rejected the Liberals' Government Preference Prohibition Bill 1914, which would have abolished the previous ALP government's policy of giving preference to trade union members in the Commonwealth Public Service. Cook used this as an opportunity to secure Australia's first double dissolution, a provision contained in section 57 of the constitution.

Election dates

The parliament was dissolved and the writs for the election were formally issued on 30 July, with the close of nominations on 5 August.

Campaign

The election campaign encompassed the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28 June, the ensuing July Crisis and outbreak of World War I on 28 July, and the British Empire's entry into the war on 4 August. As a result – whilst the campaign initially focused on the domestic matters which had been the source of the political deadlock that triggered the double-dissolution election in the first place – Australia's role in the war and support for Britain became more pressing issues later in the campaign.

Campaign launches and domestic agenda

Cook launched the Liberal Party's campaign on 14 July in Parramatta, New South Wales. He defended his decision to call an early election and accused the ALP of obstructionism.

Fisher's campaign speech was delivered on 6 July in Bundaberg, Queensland. He announced that his priorities if returned to office would include reducing industrial unrest, addressing the cost of living, and breaking up trusts and monopolies. He promised to resubmit the ALP's proposed constitutional reforms – narrowly defeated at a 1913 referendum – to another referendum, and to introduce legislation permitting citizen-initiated referendums. Fisher defended the previous Labor government's legacy and promised to expand on its social reforms by increasing spending on health and pensions, introducing government-owned insurance, establishing public-sector superannuation schemes, and standardising Australia's rail gauges. He was critical of the Cook government's fiscal management and its policy of funding defence expenditure through borrowings rather than revenue.

Results

House of Representatives

Notes

• Independents: George Wise (Gippsland, Vic)
• Thirteen members were elected unopposed – seven Labor and six Liberal.

Senate

Seats changing hands

Post-election pendulum

Notes

References

Sources

References

1. Crowley, F. K.. (1981). "Sir Joseph Cook (1860–1947)". Melbourne University Press.
2. "Election dates (1901 to Present) – House of Representatives".
3. "Election dates (1901 to Present) – Senate". Australian Electoral Commission.
4. "1914: Joseph Cook". Museum of Australian Democracy.
5. "1914: Andrew Fisher". Museum of Australian Democracy.