- The Guardian
- Issue #2146
Ian is on the left.
Sadly on the 15th May 2025 the Australian and international working class lost a staunch supporter for peace, friendship, and socialism with the passing of Ian MacLeod age 93. Born in Innisfail North Qld (then known as part of the ‘Red North’) Ian became an apprentice Metal Moulder and active member of the Australian Miscellaneous Workers Union at the South Johnstone Sugar Mills. During the late 30s and early 40s the CPA became a dominant force in the Red North with the election of Fred Paterson as a communist candidate for the Qld State Parliament. These events had a profound impact upon Ian, compelling him to become more involved in the struggles of the working class.
Being young and enthusiastic, Ian was keen to travel and have new experiences, and his adventures took him to parts of NSW and New Zealand. Travelling NSW he found work at AIS Pt Kembla Steelworks. It was dirty, dusty and hot work, and at the end of each shift a cold beer was the order of the day. In those days NSW pubs closed at 6, the rule of thumb being if you got to the pub just before closure you would order 4 schooners, 2 for yourself and 2 for your mate. After spending some time working and travelling and gaining new experiences Ian returned to Brisbane and once again became active in his union and politics.
Within a short period the quality of Ian’s leadership and activities amongst the Union members became known, and he was elected as a member of the Union executive and shortly afterwards the State Secretary. It was at a time when metalworkers where campaigning for wage increases and a shorter working week and in December 1981, a 38 hour week was won which became standard in other industries. In 1983 the Metal Moulders amalgamated with the AMWU and Ian became an official of the amalgamated union.
As a committed socialist, Ian joined the CPA and became a staunch supporter of the Soviet Union. He strongly fought against the revisionist trend that the CPA leadership embraced. In 1971 he became a founding member of the Socialist Party of Australia. In addition to his union activities Ian understood that it was essential to build the party amongst the working class. He was instrumental in establishing a industrial branch of the party in Brisbane, becoming its first secretary. He also took a leading role in the leadership of the party and became a member of the QLD State Committee and Executive.
In 1984, Ian was part of a SPA Trade Union Delegation that visited the Soviet Union for the 7 November celebrations and was highly impressed by witnessing socialism in the making. On his return he spoke to workers about his experiences as a Party member. A couple of years later Ian was also part of a SPA Trade Union Delegation that visited Bulgaria to study at the Dimitov Trade Union Institute.
Comrade Ian was also a founding member of the Brisbane Branch of the Australian DPRK Friendship and Cultural Society and for many years was the Branch Chair. Ian was a dedicated and supporter of the DPRK and the Korean people in their just struggles against the hostile military policies of US Imperialism and was always available to lend a helping hand when organising meetings, rallies, demonstrations, and other events.
At his own request, Ian’s remains have been donated for research and no funeral service will be held. On behalf of all Ian’s comrades and friends I extend our condolence to his family. Ian will always be remembered as a staunch fighter and servant of the working class.
Ray Ferguson
