New Guard

The New Guard was formed in Sydney, Australia in February 1931 as a paramilitary offshoot from a conservative tradition defending loyalty to King and Empire, sound government, law and order, individual liberty and property rights. In particular, the movement was formed in response to the policies adopted by Jack Lang, the leader of the Labor Party and Premier of New South Wales It was led by Lt. Colonel Eric Campbell, a First World War veteran. The New Guard declined rapidly following the Lang's dismissal in May 1932, with its remaining members becoming increasingly inclined towards fascism. Still led by Campbell, the movement unsuccessfully attempted to enter parliament at the 1935 state election (running as the Centre Party), but disbanded completely shortly after.