Why were the Australians so fearful of Communism?

Answer 1

Australia was not so much fearful of Communism, but more because it was associated with oppressive totalitarian governments and dictatorships that did not sit well with our national conscience.

The USA on the other hand had mass hysteria and conducted witch hunts and show trials for alleged Communists. An allegation of being a Communist, or sympathising with Communist ideals was all it took, no proof. All done in the traditions of the Stalinist purges of the 1930's.

Answer 2

Politics in Australia in the 1950s was dominated by a fear of communism. in 1949, the newly elected prime minister Rober Menzies (who would go on to be Australia's longest serving Prime minister (pm)) introduced the Communist Party Dissolution Bill. this bill was passed through both houses of parliament, but never became law as it was challenged in the High court of Australia and declared unconstitutional. the only way in Australia to change the constitution is through a referendum (vote by the people), and this was defeated in 1951. this was a good thing, the law would make suspected communists to prove their innocence, rather than the 'golden thread' of law - innocent till proven guilty. in essence most anti communist hysteria was a result of following America's lead with the Macarthur trials.