I remember my dad not talking about the “politicians” often, but when he did he would always have the highest of opinions about one man from our colourful history. That man was Sir Robert Menzies.
Now, rather than go into a rant about who did what and so on, here are just the facts, then maybe one day I’ll go off on a rant about the not so successful politicians in future posts, using this one as a foundation to make comparisons!
SIR ROBERT GORDON MENZIES
Born: 20 Dec. 1894 in Jeparit, Victoria, died 15 May 1978 in Melbourne, Victoria.
Prime Minister: 1939 – 1941 and then again 1949 – 1966.
He gave up his very successful law practice in Victoria to serve the public in the state parliament (legislature) from 1929 – 1934.
He was elected into Federal Parliament in 1934, serving as The Attorney General, under Joseph Lyons from 1934 -1939.
In 1939 he was elected to be Prime Minister, as the Leader (“President”) of The United Australia Party.
In 1941 due to WORLD WAR II he initiated mobilization in Australia, which was not very popular among those who didn’t want to give their bit to ensuring that Australia be defended from our enemies.
Due to pressure from many of those who wanted to rule but were not willing to take responsibility for the necessary actions, in particular those during a time of war, Sir Robert Menzies was “forced” to resign.
In 1944 he organized The Australian Liberal Party and in 1949 was once again without any doubts elected Prime Minister of Australia.
Sir Robert Menzies government introduced rapid industrial growth in Australia, during the 1950’s his government presided over the expansion of existing industries, the use of Australian natural resources, investing into transportation and logistics along with the introduction of foreign investments.
He was a firm believer in Australian values and our Commonwealth and at no time turned his back to any of our allies. His firm belief in having a sustainable and what later proved to be justified alliance with The USA was achieved in 1951 with the “ANZUS” alliance. Ensuring that Australia, New Zealand and The USA be partners. This lead to Australia joining The South East Asia Treaty Organization in 1954.
Although he did try to “ban” the Australian Communist Party in 1951, he didn’t succeed in this effort.
At no time did Sir Robert Menzies abuse his position of “power” as his actions proved that he was in a position of “responsibility” and not “power”. If it was the other way around during “The Cold War” he could have without any problems used his position of power to hunt down the anti Australian communists as what The USA governments did in The USA.
As a result of Sir Robert Menzies not pushing for an Australian version of a hunt on "commies" and letting the public decide for themselves as to the treacherous ways of the communists in Australia, the communist party as such did cease to exist. However the vast majority of its members then infiltrated The Australian Labo(u)r Party, which would in later years prove to play a major role in their politics and policies. Hence many Australian Patriots who are familiar with this portion of our history still regret that appropriate actions were not taken against these traitors during the Cold War era.
(A WWI poster that I believe is appropriate for all time to come)
On one of the most positive notes, it was his ministries that saw some of the most productive and humane post war immigration. Arguably an example to the rest of the world of how to do it right and ensure the best interests of one’s home and nation.
All of his governments foreign policies were PRO Australian, in so much that they ensured Australia's alliances with our Allies and partners both in peace and in war. His actions on the international scene were respected by one and all, no matter how much some of the communists/leftists of Australia would have liked us to (would still like us to) believe otherwise. The results speak for themselves.
His sincere patriotism and achievements ensured that all of the Western world leaders had nothing but words of praise for Australia.
Accordingly, he was Knighted in 1963.
After the longest ever continuous ministry in Australian history, Sir Robert Gordon Menzies retired of his own free will in 1966.
CONCLUSION: Sir Robert Gordon Menzies is a prime example of patriot, representative of all Australians and a man who didn't resort to "popular phrases or statements", when Sir Robert said something then he went through with it, ensuring that the best interests of all Australians be the prime priority at all times.
It is my opinion that he should be the foundation for ALL politicians and that his example be set as the core to ALL policies of Australia's future.
That is if we want a future.
God Bless,
May He Rest In Peace.
