Edmund Barton was mainly associated with the Protectionist Party in early federal Australian politics. He later led the first Barton government, which also relied on support from the Labor Party in parliament.

Quick context

  • Barton helped lead the Federation movement before becoming Australia’s first Prime Minister.
  • At the 1901 election, his Protectionists won more seats than the Free Traders or Labor.
  • In the political landscape of the time, Barton is most often identified as a Protectionist rather than a Labor or Free Trade politician.

TL;DR: Edmund Barton was in the Protectionist Party.