Peter McGregor

Who was Peter McGregor?

Peter James McGregor was an Australian Anarchist known for his political activism, University teaching and commitment to direct action. He was actively involved and often led the major Australian and international political campaigns of the last 40 years.

Born in Sydney NSW Australia he was brought up by his mother Alice McGregor and maiden Aunt, May Alderdice. His father, Charles Roy McGregor, and mother split up soon after his birth and as a consequence of not having a strong male role model in the household, he appreciated and loved the company of women. His partner of 28 years, Johanna Trainor, worked with him on many of his political publications and campaigns.

Peter went to North Sydney Boys High School and continued onto the University of Sydney where he majored in Psychology and Maths. He later received a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma Librarianship and a Master of Arts from the University of New South Wales.

McGregor’s first foray into political action was a demonstration in SUPPORT of the hanging of Ronald Ryan the last Australian to be executed, in Victoria in 1967. Then in 1967 he joined a sit-in at Sydney University’s Fisher Library over increases in library fines.