The decision to nationalise AESC and develop Leigh Creek proved to be prescient. In early 1947, mines in New South Wales were again crippled by strikes. The worst strike came in 1949, forcing Chifley to send in the armed forces to extract coal.
The decision to nationalize AESC and develop Leigh Creek proved wise. In early 1947, mines in New South Wales experienced another round of strikes. The most serious strike took place in 1949, forcing Chifley to call upon the military to extract coal.