Australian Dictionary of Biography

National Archives of Australia

National Museum of Australia

Museum of Australian Democracy

Parliament of Australia

1939 First broadcast as Prime Minister

In his first radio broadcast as Prime Minister, Mr Menzies said: "I am a singularly plain man, born in the little town of Jeparit, on the fringe of the Mallee; educated at Ballarat, in a state school, and then by scholarship at a public school and Melbourne University. Apart from having parents of great character, intelligence and fortitude, I was not born to the purple."

Declaration of War

September 3: Prime Minister Menzies declares that Australia is at war with Germany. This reflects the attitude of the majority of Australians who considered that Britain's declaration of war on Germany automatically committed Australia to the conflict in their desire to provide traditional support for Britain.

1949 Menzies speaks on Communism

Robert Menzies speaks on Communism: "All I need say is that Australia is British. It has a great and tried and common family allegiance under the Crown. But Australia knows, and so do the Communists, that the closest concert between the United States and the Commonwealth is vital to the common defence. We will work incessantly to strengthen this great association, just as the Communist powers and their overseas friends will work incessantly to divide and destroy us."

1959 Opening of the Snowy Mountains Scheme

The first power from the Snowy Mountains scheme becomes available. Prime Minister Menzies opens the scheme by switching on the turbines: MENZIES: "I've been told that I'm to move a switch here, and as usual when I move a switch nothing happens for a little while. It takes apparently a couple of minutes for the turbines to warm up to their work. And so I shall move the switch and then we'll wait to see whether it really is beginning." NARRATOR: By the time the first dam, Guthega, was finished in 1955 Menzies was completely behind the project. Not only was it popular but he saw that the modern consumer society he hoped to promote would need the cheap electricity provided by the scheme.

1963 On the hustings

On the hustings 1960s style: PRIME MINISTER ROBERT MENZIES SPEAKING ABOUT THE AIRFORCE AT THE RAAF FACTORY, POINT COOK, VICTORIA: "The Opposition Leader said, 'You haven't got one.' Now I'll give you the answer to this story. The only time our opponents ever took any interest in this matter they used to say, 'Well, you know, you must have an airforce, that's the thing that's important. We must have the best aircraft in the world.' Now, what's the position? What is the position? (Interjection) My dear boy, you're not off the drawing board yourself! (Much laughter) I can tell that by looking at you. (Applause) Why, you're not even a prototype yet, this chap. Now let's talk about the airforce."

1963 Visit of Queen Elizabeth II

Second Royal Tour of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of Canberra: Prime Minister Menzies after saying that the British monarchy was the most democratic in the world, spoke about Australian affection as an expression of that and quoted the lines: I did but see her passing by ... "Anachronistically and mindlessly, this one sentence is generally used to lampoon Menzies' attitude to the monarchy, as if this was the only thing he ever said on the subject." A W Martin, Robert Menzies A Life Vol 2 1944-1978, 1999 p 455. ROYAL TOUR - VOICE OVER: There is no greater admirer of the Royal Family than the Prime Minister. SIR ROBERT MENZIES ADDRESSING THE QUEEN: All I ask you to remember in this country of yours is that every man, woman and child who even sees you with a passing glimpse as you go by will remember it, remember it with joy, remember it - in the words of the old 17th century poet who wrote those famous words, "I did but see her passing by and yet I love her till I die." (applause)

1965 Winston Churchill: ‘One Fire Burning In Him'

A Tribute by Sir Robert Menzies KT, CH, QC, MP given on the occasion of the State Funeral of Sir Winston Churchill January 30, 1965

1966 Sir Robert announcing his retirement

Retires in January after a term of 16 continuous years as Prime Minister. It is the first time an Australian Prime Minister has resigned while in office. TRANSCRIPT SIR ROBERT MENZIES ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT: "I couldn't see myself at 72 after, by that time, 17 years of prime ministership, I couldn't see myself saying to the people of Australia, I want you to give me another term."

1966 Governor-General Lord Casey

The Governor-General Lord Casey accepts Sir Robert's resignation as Prime Minister. This is the first time an Australian Prime Minister has resigned while in office.

1966 Sir Robert's Final Press Conference