Agent TypePersonActivities & OccupationsTrade unionistsCommunistsHistoryBorn in Zeehan, Tasmania, Clarrie O'Shea rose to leadership in the Metropolitan Tramways and Omnibus Employees' Association during the 1950s. A committed communist, he moved towards the Peking-leaning Communist Party of Australia (Marxist Leninist) after the 1963 split, later becoming Federal President, and secretary of the Victorian Branch of the Australia-China Friendship Society. In particular, as a unionist, O'Shea was jailed following his refusal to comply with orders under the penal provisions of the Conciliation and Arbitration Act in 1969, sparking nation-wide strike action. In the event although not repealed the provisions of the act were emasculated.
![[1988.0101] Papers of Clarence Lyell O'Shea](/img/placeholder.gif?1762303493 "[1988.0101] Papers of Clarence Lyell O'Shea")