Big John Forrest 1847-1918: A Founding Father of the Commonwealth of Australia

First Edition. Frank Crowley dedicated this book to Phyllis Barnes for her commitment to South West Australian history. After being actively involved in the drafting of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir John Forrest fought hard for ‘fair terms’ in steering Western Australia into federation. His career in the public life of the colony – as surveyor, inland explorer, public servant, and first premier of Western Australia – showed how energy, grit and determination, together with the right circumstances, could enable a colonial-born youth from an artisan family to achieve wealth, influence and political power. During the 1890s, he completely transformed Western Australia’s communications, and developed a code of public ethics that allowed state power to aid private enterprise for the benefit of the community His achievements after federation were no less impressive. As Minister for Defence, Minister for Home Affairs, several times Treasurer, and acting Prime Minister of Australia, he was one of the nation-builders during the early years of federal government, and took a prominent part in the creation of the two-party political system in national politics. Known by the press at the time as Big John”

ix, 540 p. : facsims, ill., maps, ports. 25 cm. (Note: ex-library, but apart from stamp on half-title no other markings and FINE!). First Edition.

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“After being actively involved in the drafting of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir John Forrest fought hard for ‘fair terms’ in steering Western Australia into federation. His career in the public life of the colony – as surveyor, inland explorer, public servant, and first premier of Western Australia – showed how energy, grit and determination, together with the right circumstances, could enable a colonial-born youth from an artisan family to achieve wealth, influence and political power. During the 1890s, he completely transformed Western Australia’s communications, and developed a code of public ethics that allowed state power to aid private enterprise for the benefit of the community.”.

“His achievements after federation were no less impressive. As minister for defence, minister for home affairs, several times treasurer, and acting prime minister of Australia, he was one of the nation-builders during the early years of federal government, and took a prominent part in the creation of the two-party political system in national politics.”

“His achievements after federation were no less impressive. As minister for defence, minister for home affairs, several times treasurer, and acting prime minister of Australia, he was one of the nation-builders during the early years of federal government, and took a prominent part in the creation of the two-party political system in national politics.”

Forrest, John, Sir, 1847-1918.  |  Premiers — Western Australia — Biography.  |  Politicians — Australia — Biography.  |  Explorers — Australia — Biography.  |  Government policy – Initial period and protectionism – 1851-1900.  |  History – Biographies – Non-Indigenous.  |  Settlement and contacts – Explorers – European.  |  Government policy – State and territory – Western Australia.  |  Western Australia — Politics and government.  |  Australia — Politics and government.  |  South Australia (SA)  |  Murchison River (WA South Pilbara SG50)  |  Western Australia (WA)