Sir Robert Gordon Menzies 1894-1978
1894-1978
Australian statesman
"The years spanned by Menzies' lifetime had taken civilization from horseless carriages to freeways; from the Wright brothers to a jet that could cross the world in a day; instant telecommunication, bringing an isolated Australia into the 'global village'; wars that drew the nations together; the nuclear bomb; and a growing maturity as travel, education and culture became accessible to everyone; Menzies lived through the changes and seemed to enjoy the journey."
Video script Menzies in his time, 1994
Go to Menzies in his time
The Rt Hon Sir Robert Gordon MENZIES, KT, AK, CH, FRS, QC was born in Jeparit, Victoria. Australia's longest serving prime minister, he was a barrister before being elected to the Victorian parliament in 1928.
Entering federal parliament in 1934 as a member of the United Australia Party, he became Prime Minister in 1939 but resigned in 1941 because of dissatisfaction with his leadership.
In 1945 he formed a new Liberal Party which he led to victory in 1949, remaining Prime Minister until retirement in 1966.
Brief Timeline
Federal Attorney-General
Leader of Federal Opposition
Further information on Sir Robert's life and career can be found in this Menzies Virtual Museum and in:
Martin, A.W. (1993) Robert Menzies: A Life, Vol 1, 1894-1943, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.
Martin, A.W. (1999) Robert Menzies: A Life, Vol 2, 1944-1978, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.
A more extensive bibliography can be found in:
Bunting, E.J.(1988) R.G. Menzies: A Portrait. Allen and Unwin, Sydney.
(The Menzies Foundation has a small number of copies of this book which are available at a cost of $25.00 AUD, including postage.)
Sir Robert's own books include:
To the people of Britain at war (1970 edition) Longmans, London.
The forgotten people (1943) Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Speech is of time (1958) Cassell, London.
Afternoon light (1967) Cassell, Sydney.
Central power in the Australian Commonwealth (1967)Cassell, London.
The measure of the years (1970) Cassell, London.