1976-1989
In 1976, SWL changed name to Socialist Workers Party (SWP). After his US stint, John resumed DA editorship for a period. In early 1982, he represented the party’s Latin America solidarity group CISCAC for an international solidarity conference in Mexico on El Salvador. In mid-1982, to complement the party’s Turn to Industry, John shifted base back to Melbourne, worked on the trams, and became party branch secretary there while remaining part of the party’s central leadership.
John returns as Direct Action editor – Direct Action, 1976.
John addressing Socialist Workers Party 4th national conference – January 24-28, 1976.
John (seated far right) next to brother Jim at Socialist Workers Party 4th national conference, with Allen Myers speaking – January 24-28, 1976.
John as Socialist Workers Party election candidate – 1977-79.
John and other Socialist Workers Party candidates poll well in local elections – Direct Action, September 22, 1977.
John at Socialist Workers Party-Communist League fusion conference – January 1978.
John pictured sometime in the 1980s.
John highlighted in article on 10 years of Direct Action – September, 1980.
John (seated far right) at an El Salvador solidarity event in Australia, recently returned from a similar solidarity conference in Mexico representing the Committee in Solidarity with Central America and the Caribbean (CISCAC) – Direct Action April 14, 1982.
John pictured in his Melbourne tram uniform during a lunch break near his Preston Tram Depot – September 20, 1982.
John standing as Socialist Workers candidate for Batman, federal election – 1983.