Katana VentraIP

The light on the hill

"The light on the hill" is a phrase used to describe the objective of the Australian Labor Party. The phrase, which was used in a 1949 conference speech at the Sydney Trades Hall by then Prime Minister Ben Chifley, has Biblical origins. 'City upon a Hill' is a metaphor from the Salt and Light section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew.

The speech, delivered near the end of Chifley's term as prime minister, pays tribute to the people who make up Australia's labour movement.

"The Light On The Hill" from the musical is a country-influenced ballad in which Keating laments the trends in the 1996 election, concludes that he is doomed electorally, and sings of his unachieved dreams and with some bitterness at what he sees as the backward-looking message of his opponent.

Keating!

"Neighborhood Watch" from 's self-titled first album refers to the light on the hill as a dream that is no longer even dreamt.

My Friend the Chocolate Cake

"We Remember the light on the hill" from 's song "River Runs Red" on the album Blue Sky Mining is a reference to the statement made by Prime Minister Chifley.

Midnight Oil

MP Adam Bandt referenced the light on the hill in his post-election speech in 2010, stating "there is a new light on the hill and it's powered by renewable energy".[2]

Greens

"The light on the hill" is often referenced in Australian popular culture. Notable instances include:

""

The Forgotten People

The light on the hill speech

Workers Online: History - The light on the hill