Named after wartime Labor prime minister John Curtin,the pub became the national meeting place for Labor and union figures,including former prime minister Bob Hawke.
It has remained a popular venue for labour movement members,many of whom work and congregate across the road at the Victorian Trades Hall,the oldest trade union building in the world and the birthplace of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
“The rumours are true,” The Curtinposted on Facebook. “It’s with an agonisingly sad heart,that The Curtin hotel’s time on this earth will come to an end. The owners of the almost 150-year-old building have decided to sell,making way,most likely for apartments.”
“We … have a lease until the end of Nov[ember] this year. Beyond that,we have no idea what the developers will have planned for us. We will have a lot more to say on the matter down the line,but I assure you,we will go out with a BANG!”
The announcement prompted sadness from live music fans and labour movement activists.
Victorian Trades Hall secretary Luke Hilakari toldThe Age he had been discussing a bid for the property with union leaders before the announcement was formally made.