Jim Comerford

Jim Comerford began working in mines at age 13. At just 15, he witnessed the violence of the Rothbury mine riots and subsequent police brutality, spurring him into a career as a union advocate and leader.

Comerford was President of the Miner's Federation from 1953 to 1973. He later became a Convocation Scholar, and became writer-in-residence at the University of Newcastle.

Jim Comerford reviews 'The History of the ACTU' by Jim Hagan

May 1982, no. 40 • 01 May 1982

Australia’s need for a definitive history about its national trade union centre has been handsomely filled by Jim Hagan. His exhaustively detailed study must become the base for future researchers who will seek to assess what happened in our times. As a viable union summit, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) struck root in 1927. Its promoters were bound by a wish to bring such a body ... (read more)