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Crosthwaite, Jim
Description
Agent TypePerson
IdentifierUMA-AG-000000072Place of BirthAlbury, New South WalesActivities & OccupationsCommunity activistsGenderMaleHistoryJim Crosthwaite's life reflects deep engagement with social justice, union activism, environmental policy and political movements over five decades
He studied Agricultural Economics at the University of New England and graduated with a Masters in Social Science. During this time he became involved with the Socialist Action Movement (SAM), indigenous issues and anti-conscription activism during the Vietnam War era. In 1974 he joined the Communist Party of Australia and was active with its Carlton Branch and producing Link magazine. From 1977-1987 he worked at the Australian Bureau of Statistics where he led strong union organising with the Administration & Clerical Officers Association, focusing on grassroots empowerment and workplace conditions.In the 1980s he researched the Australian machine tool industry and Victorian dairying which culminated in a thesis on family farming. This was followed by a stint as an economist supporting Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
In the 1990s Jim co-founded the New International Bookshop at Trades Hall which promoted progressive literature and activism.
In the 2000s Jim conducted research for Land Water Australia which contributed to his PhD on farm businesses and natural resource policy. He co-founded Journeys for Climate Justice which supported environmental leadership in the Asia Pacific and he helped to establish Gas Free Victoria to oppose fossil gas expansion.
Jim is still active campaigning for climate advocacy and publishes works on political economy and environmental issues.
IdentifierUMA-AG-000000072Place of BirthAlbury, New South WalesActivities & OccupationsCommunity activistsGenderMaleHistoryJim Crosthwaite's life reflects deep engagement with social justice, union activism, environmental policy and political movements over five decadesHe studied Agricultural Economics at the University of New England and graduated with a Masters in Social Science. During this time he became involved with the Socialist Action Movement (SAM), indigenous issues and anti-conscription activism during the Vietnam War era. In 1974 he joined the Communist Party of Australia and was active with its Carlton Branch and producing Link magazine. From 1977-1987 he worked at the Australian Bureau of Statistics where he led strong union organising with the Administration & Clerical Officers Association, focusing on grassroots empowerment and workplace conditions.In the 1980s he researched the Australian machine tool industry and Victorian dairying which culminated in a thesis on family farming. This was followed by a stint as an economist supporting Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
In the 1990s Jim co-founded the New International Bookshop at Trades Hall which promoted progressive literature and activism.
In the 2000s Jim conducted research for Land Water Australia which contributed to his PhD on farm businesses and natural resource policy. He co-founded Journeys for Climate Justice which supported environmental leadership in the Asia Pacific and he helped to establish Gas Free Victoria to oppose fossil gas expansion.
Jim is still active campaigning for climate advocacy and publishes works on political economy and environmental issues.
Series
Dates
Date1951
Names
TitleDrGiven NameJimFamily NameCrosthwaite
Given NameJimFamily NameCrosthwaiteDescription Control
Source of DescriptionDonation Enquiry
Professional Relationships
Member of OrganisationCommunist Party Of Australia. Victorian State CommitteeColleaguesHalfpenny, John
ColleaguesHalfpenny, JohnCrosthwaite, Jim (1951), [UMA-AG-000000072]. University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 29/04/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/505147