1949 in Australia
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See also: 1948 in Australia, other events of 1949, 1950 in Australia and the Timeline of Australian history.
Contents |
[edit] Incumbents
- Prime Minister - Robert Gordon Menzies began his second term of Office on 10th December 1949 and was in office until 20th January 1966. He was leader of the Liberal Party. His nickname was "Pig Iron Bob", and was the 21st Prime Minister of Australia. He had previously been the 16th Prime Minister for the United Australia Party between 26 Apr 1939 and 28 Aug 1941.
[edit] Events
- Construction of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme begins
- In November Australia's first digital computer CSIRAC is installed.
- Indigenous Australians who are eligible to vote in State Elections in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are also given the right to vote in Federal Elections.
- 26 January - The Nationality and Citizenship Act is passed. Rather than being identified as subjects of Britain, the Act established Australian citizenship for people who met eligibility requirements.
- 26 June - a seven week coal strike began involving 23,000 miners and broken by the sending in of troops.
[edit] Sport
- Melbourne Cup winner was Foxzami ridden by W. Fellows trained by D. Lewis.
- Caulfield Cup winner was Lincoln ridden by N Eastwood trained by L Robertson.
[edit] Births
- January 11 - Daryl Braithwaite, singer
- January 14 - Paul Chubb (d. 2002), actor
- February 26 - Simon Crean, trade union leader and politician
- March 7 - Rex Hunt, media personality
- June 13 - Red Symons, musician and TV personality
- July 18 - Dennis Lillee, cricketer
- August 18 - Byron Kennedy (d. 1983), film producer
- August 23 - Rick Springfield, singer
- September 22 - Jim McGinty, politician
- November 24 - Shane Bourne, comedian and actor
