Bruce Smith and Anglo-Australian Liberalism

Abstract Bruce Smith (1851–1937) was the most prominent Australian exponent of classical or ‘old’ liberalism in late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Although his political career not particularly successful, he notable as foremost defender individualism authentic liberal creed, exemplified by 1887 work Liberty . He consistently attacked new liberalism, with its acceptance extensive state interference, socialism, inimical to individual liberty national prosperity. is now recognized an important figure pantheon, there has been relatively little attention thought outside Australia itself, despite connections Britain. The general trajectory from ‘individualism’ ‘collectivism’ mirrored Britain 1880s, especially during Prime Minister William Gladstone's second third administrations, when radicals within Liberal party grew influence aristocratic whig moderates waned. maintained close links British Property Defence League, which dedicated itself fighting against collectivism, well personal hero, philosopher Herbert Spencer, whom own politics derived much influence. This article considers Smith's through prism Anglo-Australian politics.