Celebrating two legends of the Australian Democrats

We are delighted to announce that John and Joanne Nairn have been awarded Life Membership of the Australian Democrats, recognising their extraordinary contribution and decades of dedicated service to the party.

John and Joanne’s involvement in Australian politics stretches back more than half a century. They joined the Australia Party in 1972, with John serving as a campaign manager at that year’s federal election.

When the Australia Party merged with Don Chipp’s New Liberal Movement in 1977, the Australian Democrats were born — and John and Joanne became part of a political movement they would support for decades to come.

Over the years they have contributed enormously through election campaigns, party administration and management, and numerous other roles. John’s service alone has included roles as Campaign Manager, Information Officer, Identity Officer, Returning Officer for executive ballots and keeper of the party’s state archives.

Most remarkably, their contribution continues today. More than 50 years after they first became politically active, John and Joanne remain passionate and committed members of the Australian Democrats.

Their story is a wonderful reminder that our party is built on generations of people willing to give their time, energy and experience because they believe in our democracy and in the important role the Australian Democrats can play in strengthening it.

As a new generation of Democrats builds on that legacy, we are enormously fortunate to have people like John and Joanne still alongside us.

Please join us in congratulating John and Joanne Nairn — Life Members of the Australian Democrats.