By John B
Early Life
* Harold Holt was born in Sydney on the 5th of August 1908.
* Both of his parents were teachers.
* He married Zara Fell in 1946.
* He attended Wesley College in Melbourne.
* During his school career he won a lot of awards for sporting ability,
character and leadership.
* He went on to the University of Melbourne to study law.
* He Graduated as a successful lawyer in 1930.
Achievements in Parliament
* Elected to Federal Parliament in 1935.
* Holt served as Minister Without a Portfolio in 1939 and 1940.
* In 1940 he enlisted in the 2nd Australian Imperial Forces.
* After five months in the army Sir Robert Menzies recalled him to
Parliament.
* He became Minister for Labour and National Service.
* Holt introduced conscription into the army for all males aged 18
in 1951 until 1959.
* As the Minister for Immigration Holt tired to change the White Australia
Policy.
* Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party to Robert Menzies in 1956.
* As Treasurer Holt created a 'credit squeeze' colloquially called
'Holt‘s Jolt,' because the economy was in recession. He imposed credit
restrictions, raised loan interest rates and sales tax on motor vehicles.
The economic slump continued through 1961.
* Became Prime Minister after Menzies retired in 1966.
* Holt began reforms.
* A referendum was held to allow Aboriginals more rights including
being included in the National Census.
* Commonwealth given powers to make laws for Aboriginal people.
* Changes to Australia's immigration laws ending the ‘White Australia
Policy'.
* He was presumed dead by drowning on a Melbourne Beach on December
17th, 1967.
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Timeline of
his life
1908 - Harold Edward Holt was born.
1930 - Graduated from College as a successful lawyer.
1935 - Voted into Federal Parliament.
1949 - Married to Zara Fell.
1949 - Minister for Labour and the National Services.
1956 - Deputy Leader of Liberal Party.
1966 - Elected Prime Minister.
1967 - Harold Edward Holt was presumed dead.
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Bibliography
A Century of Prime Ministers by Scott Bride, Published by Watts Publishing.
Internet Sites
http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5557/holt.html
