Menzies, Sir Robert

Menzies, Sir Robert (Gordon)

(born Dec. 20, 1894, Jeparit, Victoria. Austl.—died May 16, 1978, Melbourne) Australian statesman and prime minister (1939–41, 1949–66). A successful lawyer, he served as Australia's attorney general (1934–39). Leader of the United Australia Party, he served as prime minister (1939–41). He organized the Liberal Party in 1944 and again became premier in 1949. In the 1950s he fostered industrial growth in Australia and immigration from Europe. He strengthened military ties with the U.S. and encouraged the ANZUS Pact and Australia's membership in the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. He retired in 1966 after the longest ministry in Australian history.