The Rock and Roll Revolution: Surfing, the Dole, and Australia's Unique Story
The Future of Work and the 'Useless Class'
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Artificial Intelligence may soon disrupt the job market, potentially leaving millions without work. Israeli historian Yuval Harari, in his book 'Homo Deus', warns of a new 'useless class' devoid of economic or social value. But here's where it gets controversial: is this an inevitable outcome, or can we shape a different future?
The Dole's Impact on Surfing Culture
Surfing in Australia has a unique history intertwined with the dole, a form of Universal Basic Income. Despite its significance, this relationship is often overlooked in surf media. The late 1970s saw surfing embrace the market, with neoliberal ideas taking hold. Large clothing companies controlled surf media, and 'dole bludgers' were not their target consumers, leading to a blackout in the historical record.
WWII Innovations and the Welfare State
World War II left a lasting impact on surfing, introducing innovations like polyurethane, fibreglass, and surf forecasting. The welfare state, inspired by the Atlantic Charter, emphasized four freedoms, including freedom from fear and want, an early concept of economic security as a human right. By 1945, Australia had a fully-fledged dole system, a Commonwealth responsibility.
The Counter-Culture Movement and Surfing's Evolution
The 1950s and 60s saw a conservative Australian surfing scene, tied to surf clubs. The counter-culture movement of the late 60s, influenced by anti-war protests and a freer lifestyle, transformed the sport. Californian surfers, escaping urbanization, brought this culture to Australia. Post-war prosperity in California and cheap living in Australia attracted long-haired kids.
Economic Struggles and the North Coast
The North Coast area, despite being touted as a 'land of plenty', faced economic challenges. Rural depopulation, distance from markets, floods, and climate issues hindered farming. Grafton activist Ulrich Ellis noted a significant population decline. Similar economic struggles were seen across Australia, especially after the oil shocks of the 70s.
The 80s: Excess and the Rise of Professional Surfing
The 80s, remembered for excess and greed, marked the rise of professional surfing. The decade began with a recession, but the Bob Hawke Surf Team thrived. The dole, indexed to wages, allowed surfers to rent beachside houses, often with supplementary cash work. Marijuana growing and Indonesian travel were common among surfers.
Domestic Travel and the Dole's Role
The dole, a Commonwealth responsibility, facilitated domestic travel. Surfers could register in one place and collect dole cheques while traveling. This freedom allowed for months spent surfing at iconic locations. The era was summed up by surfer Gunther Rohn: 'It was easier on the rock 'n roll then.'
The Dole and Australia's Unique Surfing Culture
Australia's surfing culture, sponsored by the dole, was unique. Unlike other countries, there was no equivalent in Europe or Asia. The UK's dole culture influenced music, with bands like UB-40 named after the dole form. Australia's music scene also flourished, with creative kids gravitating to inner cities.
The Dole's Impact on Australian Pro Surfing
The success of Australian pro surfing in the 70s and 80s may be linked to the dole. With public sponsorship, surfing skills improved, creating a competitive environment. However, the male-dominated culture may have hindered female pro surfing development.
Recessions and the Changing Landscape
Recessions in the early 90s and the long neoliberal boom changed the surfing landscape. The dole was no longer indexed, and the cost of living rose. Real estate booms and increased rents made coastal living unaffordable. The surfing lifestyle funded by the dole became extinct.
The Present and the Looming AI Tsunami
Today, the dole is a shadow of its former self. The Howard Government made life on the dole miserable, and the unemployment rate fell. The dole cheat trope persists, despite media scrutiny. Smart people moved on, and the surfing lifestyle changed. The niche once occupied by 'dole bludgers' is now filled by tradies and sea-change retirees.
The Future: UBI and Surfing as a Bulwark
The future may bring widespread unemployment due to AI. Will society tolerate a 'useless class'? A reconfiguration is needed. Australia's past with the dole and affordable housing shows that a form of UBI could work. Time spent in the ocean, developing skills and community, may be our best defense against the AI tsunami, especially if it causes economic dislocation.
