About
Alfred Deakin (1856-1919) was the second Prime Minister of Australia, serving three non-consecutive terms between 1903 and 1910. A lawyer and journalist, he was a key figure in the Australian federation movement, helping to secure the Constitution in 1900. His government introduced major social reforms, including old-age and invalid pensions, and established institutions such as the Bureau of Meteorology. Nicknamed 'Affable Alfred', he was renowned for his parliamentary eloquence. He retired in 1913 due to ill health and died in 1919.
* 1856-08-03 — † 1919-10-07
Major works
- The Federal Story (1944)memoir
Key milestones
- 1900Participated in the London delegation that secured royal assent for the Australian Constitution.
- 1903Becomes Prime Minister of Australia for the first time.
- 1908Passes the Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Act.
Themes
FederalismSocial reformNational independenceSpiritualismPolitical journalism
Sources: adb.anu.edu.au · primeministers.moadoph.gov.au · naa.gov.au