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Sir Robert Gordon Menzies KT AK CH QC FAA FRS (20 December 1894 – 15 May 1978) was an Australian politician and lawyer who served as the 12th prime minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and 1949 to 1966. He held office as the leader of the United Australia Party (UAP) in his first term, and subsequently as the inaugural leader of the ...
May 11, 2024 · Sir Robert Menzies (born Dec. 20, 1894, Jeparit, Victoria, Austl.—died May 15, 1978, Melbourne) was a statesman who, as prime minister of Australia (1939–41, 1949–66), strengthened military ties with the United States and fostered industrial growth and immigration from Europe. Menzies gave up a highly successful law practice in Victoria ...
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn about the life and achievements of Robert Menzies, who led Australia twice: from 1939 to 1941, and from 1949 to 1966. Find out how he declared war, founded the Liberal Party, and presided over a period of prosperity and rising living standards.
Robert Gordon Menzies was Australia’s 12th and longest-serving Prime Minister. He held the office twice, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. Altogether he was Prime Minister for over 18 years – still the record term for an Australian prime minister. Born into humble circumstances, Menzies obtained a first-class secondary and university ...
- 1930 to 1939
- 1940 to 1949
- 1950 to 1959
- 1960 to 1969
- 1970 to 1979
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15 Sep 1934: First elected to Federal Parliament
Menzies was elected as Member of Parliament for the seat of Kooyong (Vic.), in the 14th federal election.
26 Apr 1939: 12th Prime Minister
Menzies was sworn in as prime minister, after he was elected leader of the United Australia Party.
3 Sep 1939: Australia declares war on Germany
After German troops invaded Poland on 1 September, Britain declared war. The dominions, including Australia, followed with separate declarations the same day.
7 Jan 1940: Australia's first diplomats
Australia's first diplomatic post was set up with the despatch of Richard Casey to Washington. On 18 August, John Latham was appointed to Tokyo in the first exchange of diplomats with Japan.
13 Aug 1940: Canberra air disaster
A Lockheed Hudson plane crashed near the Canberra aerodrome, with the loss of all aboard. The passengers included 3 federal ministers and the Chief of the General Staff.
21 Sep 1940: 16th federal election
The United Australia Party-Country Party coalition wins the most seats but not a clear majority. Menzies forms a minority government with the support of 2 independent cross-bench members.
9 Jan 1950: Colombo Plan
The idea of a network of developing and donor countries was raised at a conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). A 5-year scheme started in 1951 and was repeated until 1980. The Colombo Plan then became a permanent resource for development and education in East and South-East Asian countries.
23 Jun 1950: Communist Party ban
The Communist Party Dissolution Bill was passed by parliament. After it was enacted in October, the law was challenged in the High Court and, on 9 March 1951, was held to be unconstitutional. The Court ruled that parliament could not invoke its defence powers to rule an association unlawful when the nation was not at war.
26 Jul 1950: Australia joins Korean War
The government announced Australia would send troops to fight in Korea. This was part of the United Nations response to the invasion of South Korea by North Korea on 25 June. The front line moved into North Korea and the war continued for 3 years.
14 Jan 1960: A Reserve Bank
The proclamation of the Commonwealth Banks Act and the Reserve Bank Act split the Commonwealth Bank of Australia into the Commonwealth Banking Corporation and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
2 Feb 1960: 14th Governor-General
Lord Dunrossil served as Governor-General until 3 February 1961. Sir Dallas Brooks was acting Governor-General from 3 February to 3 August 1961.
25 Feb 1960: US space tracking
Australia signed an agreement to allow the United States to establish satellite tracking stations. These were located in the Australian Capital Territory at Orroral Creek, Honeysuckle Creek and Tidbinbilla.
15 May 1978: Death
On 15 May 1978, while reading in his study, Menzies suffered a heart attack and died. A state funeral was held on 19 May 1978.
Explore the key events and achievements of Robert Menzies, the prime minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941, and 1949 to 1966. See his role in World War II, the Korean War, the Colombo Plan, the ANZUS Treaty, and more.
Jun 18, 2020 · How did Menzies transform Australian political debate with his concept of the forgotten class and his founding of the Liberal Party? Read this article to explore his achievements and challenges as the longest serving prime minister.
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Learn about the life and achievements of Robert Menzies, who led Australia for 16 years from 1949 to 1966. Explore his milestones, partnerships, people and publications on the Museum of Australian Democracy website.
