**1917 Sturt State By-Election**
**Definition:**
The 1917 Sturt state by-election was a parliamentary by-election held in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly electorate of Sturt on 22 September 1917. It was triggered by the resignation of the sitting member, John Cann, who left the Labor Party to join the Nationalist Party.
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## 1917 Sturt State By-Election
The 1917 Sturt state by-election was a significant electoral event in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, held on 22 September 1917. The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of John Cann, the sitting member for Sturt, who had been a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) but defected to the Nationalist Party amid the political realignments during World War I. This by-election reflected the broader political tensions and shifting allegiances in New South Wales and Australia during the war years, particularly surrounding the conscription debate.
### Background
#### The Electorate of Sturt
The electoral district of Sturt was located in the far west of New South Wales, encompassing mining towns and rural communities. It was named after the explorer Charles Sturt and was known for its mining industry, particularly around Broken Hill, which was a major center of labor activism and unionism. The electorate had a strong working-class population, and the Labor Party traditionally held significant support there.
#### Political Context in 1917
The year 1917 was marked by intense political upheaval in Australia, largely driven by the ongoing First World War and the divisive issue of military conscription. The Australian Labor Party, led federally by Prime Minister Billy Hughes, split over the conscription issue in 1916, leading Hughes and his supporters to form the Nationalist Party in coalition with the conservative Commonwealth Liberal Party.
In New South Wales, similar divisions occurred within the Labor Party. The conscription debate polarized politicians and voters, with many Labor members opposing conscription on principle, while others supported it as a necessary measure for the war effort. This split led to resignations, defections, and by-elections across the state.
#### John Cann and His Resignation
John Cann was a prominent Labor politician who had represented Sturt since 1913. He was known for his advocacy on behalf of miners and working-class constituents. However, in 1917, Cann broke with the Labor Party over the conscription issue and joined the Nationalist Party. His resignation from the Labor Party and subsequent resignation from his seat triggered the by-election.
Cann’s defection was emblematic of the broader political realignments occurring in New South Wales and Australia at the time. His move was controversial among his former Labor supporters, many of whom viewed conscription as an attack on workers’ rights and civil liberties.
### Candidates
The by-election attracted candidates from the major political factions of the time, reflecting the divided political landscape.
– **Nationalist Party Candidate:** John Cann stood for re-election as the Nationalist candidate, seeking to retain his seat under his new party affiliation. His campaign emphasized support for the war effort and conscription, appealing to voters who prioritized national security.
– **Australian Labor Party Candidate:** The ALP nominated a candidate committed to opposing conscription and maintaining the party’s traditional labor values. The Labor candidate campaigned on protecting workers’ rights and opposing the Nationalist government’s policies.
– **Other Candidates:** Depending on the local political dynamics, there may have been independent or minor party candidates, though the primary contest was between the Nationalist and Labor candidates.
### Campaign
The campaign was intense and highly polarized, reflecting the broader national debate over conscription and the war. Key issues included:
– **Conscription:** The central issue dividing candidates and voters. The Nationalist candidate supported conscription as essential for Australia’s contribution to the war, while the Labor candidate opposed it.
– **Workers’ Rights:** Labor emphasized protecting miners and workers from exploitation, criticizing the Nationalists for policies perceived as favoring business interests.
– **Patriotism and National Security:** The Nationalists framed their campaign around loyalty to the Empire and the need to support Australian troops overseas.
The campaign saw vigorous public meetings, debates, and distribution of literature. The electorate’s strong labor roots made the contest particularly competitive.
### Results
The by-election was held on 22 September 1917. The results were closely watched as an indicator of public sentiment on conscription and the war.
– **Outcome:** John Cann, standing as the Nationalist candidate, was re-elected, though with a reduced majority compared to previous elections. His victory demonstrated that despite opposition within the electorate, there was significant support for the Nationalist position on conscription.
– **Voter Turnout:** Turnout was consistent with previous elections, reflecting the electorate’s engagement with the issues.
– **Impact:** The result was seen as a boost for the Nationalist government and the conscription cause, though the Labor Party remained a strong force in the region.
### Aftermath
The 1917 Sturt by-election was part of a series of electoral contests that reflected the deep divisions within Australian society during World War I. The conscription debate continued to dominate politics until the war’s end, influencing party alignments and electoral outcomes.
John Cann’s re-election as a Nationalist marked a shift in the political landscape of Sturt, though the Labor Party would continue to be influential in the area. The by-election underscored the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity during times of national crisis.
### Significance
The 1917 Sturt state by-election is historically significant for several reasons:
– It illustrated the impact of the conscription debate on Australian politics at the state level.
– It highlighted the political realignments caused by World War I, including party defections and the formation of new political coalitions.
– It demonstrated the electoral consequences of controversial policy positions in a working-class electorate.
– It contributed to the broader understanding of how wartime issues influenced domestic politics in Australia.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1917 Sturt state by-election was held in New South Wales following the resignation of John Cann, who left the Labor Party to join the Nationalist Party amid the conscription debate during World War I. The election highlighted the political divisions of the era and the impact of wartime issues on local politics.