Alfred Deakin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Alfred Deakin
Official portrait, 1905
2nd Prime Minister of Australia
In office 2 June 1909 – 29 April 1910
Monarch	Edward VII
Governor-General	Lord Dudley
Preceded by	Andrew Fisher
Succeeded by	Andrew Fisher
In office 5 July 1905 – 13 November 1908
Monarch	Edward VII
Governor-General	Lord Northcote Lord Dudley
Preceded by	George Reid
Succeeded by	Andrew Fisher
In office 24 September 1903 – 27 April 1904
Monarch	Edward VII
Governor-General	Lord Tennyson Lord Northcote
Preceded by	Edmund Barton
Succeeded by	Chris Watson
Leader of the Opposition
In office 1 July 1910 – 20 January 1913
Prime Minister	Andrew Fisher
Preceded by	Andrew Fisher
Succeeded by	Joseph Cook
In office 26 May 1909 – 2 June 1909
Prime Minister	Andrew Fisher
Preceded by	Joseph Cook
Succeeded by	Andrew Fisher
Party leadership positions Leader of the Liberal Party In office 26 May 1909 – 20 January 1913 Deputy Joseph Cook Preceded by Position established Succeeded by Joseph Cook Leader of the Protectionist Party In office 24 September 1903 – 26 May 1909 Deputy Sir William Lyne Preceded by Edmund Barton Succeeded by Party dissolved
Cabinet posts Minister for External Affairs In office 5 July 1905 – 13 November 1908 Prime Minister Himself Preceded by George Reid Succeeded by Lee Batchelor In office 24 September 1903 – 27 April 1904 Prime Minister Himself Preceded by Edmund Barton Succeeded by Billy Hughes Attorney-General of Australia In office 1 January 1901 – 24 September 1903 Prime Minister Edmund Barton Preceded by Position established Succeeded by James Drake
Constituencies Member of the Australian Parliament for Ballaarat In office 30 March 1901 – 23 April 1913 Preceded by Seat created Succeeded by Charles McGrath Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly In office April 1889 – October 1900 Preceded by Seat created Succeeded by Edward Warde Constituency Essendon and Flemington In office July 1880 – March 1889 Preceded by Robert Harper Succeeded by Seat abolished In office July 1879 – August 1879 Preceded by John Smith Succeeded by Robert Harper
Personal details
Born	(1856-08-03)3 August 1856 Fitzroy, Colony of Victoria
Died	7 October 1919(1919-10-07) (aged 63) South Yarra, Victoria, Australia
Resting place	St Kilda Cemetery
Political party	Independent (until 1901) Protectionist (1901–1909) Liberal (after 1909)
Spouse	Pattie Browne ​ (m. 1882)​
Children	3, including Ivy and Vera
Relatives	Wilfred Brookes (grandson) Alfred Brookes (grandson) Rohan Deakin Rivett (grandson)
Education	Melbourne Grammar School University of Melbourne (no degree)
Profession	Barrister
Signature

Alfred Deakin (born August 3, 1856 – died October 7, 1919) was an important Australian politician. He served as the second prime minister of Australia three times: from 1903 to 1904, 1905 to 1908, and 1909 to 1910. He led the Protectionist Party and later the Liberal Party. Many remember him as one of the "fathers" of Federation, which united the Australian colonies. He played a big role in shaping early Australian politics.

Deakin grew up in Melbourne. He became a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1879 when he was just 23. He also worked as a lawyer and a journalist. In the 1890s, Deakin became a key leader in the movement to unite the Australian colonies into one country. He helped write the first draft of Australia's constitution. He also encouraged people to vote for Federation and worked with the British government to make it happen.

After Australia became a federation in 1901, Deakin became the first Attorney-General of Australia. He worked with his friend, the first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton. Deakin took over as prime minister in September 1903. During this time, three main political parties often had similar numbers of seats in parliament. Deakin's party tried to find a middle ground. He left office in April 1904 but returned in July 1905. He formed a working government with support from the Australian Labor Party (ALP). He left office again in August 1908.

In 1909, Deakin brought his party together with another group, the Free Traders. This alliance was called "the Fusion". It helped create a two-party system in Australian politics. This allowed Deakin to form Australia's first majority government. He felt his last time as prime minister, from June 1909 to April 1910, was his most successful. However, the ALP won a clear majority in the 1910 election. Deakin retired from politics in 1913 due to health issues that affected his memory. He passed away at 63.

Alfred Deakin is still seen as one of Australia's most important prime ministers. He helped create many of the ideas that shaped Australia's society and economy for a long time. These included policies like limiting immigration to mostly European people (the White Australia policy), making sure workers and employers could settle disagreements fairly (compulsory arbitration), and supporting local industries (protectionism).

Early Life and Education

Alfred Deakin's Birth and Family

Alfred Deakin was born on August 3, 1856, in Fitzroy, Melbourne. His parents, Sarah and William Deakin, had moved to Australia from Britain. They arrived in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1850. His father, William, worked as a traveling salesman before they moved.

The family moved to Melbourne because of the Victorian gold rush. William Deakin first found it hard to get a steady job. Later, he worked in the transport business, moving people and goods. By the 1870s, he was a manager for Cobb & Co. This job allowed his family to live a comfortable life.

Deakin's Childhood and Schooling

Deakin as a young man in 1877

Alfred Deakin lived in Fitzroy, then Emerald Hill, and finally South Yarra. When he was four, he went to a boarding school in Kyneton with his sister. He was the only boy there.

In 1864, he started at Melbourne Grammar School. He was a good student. He also loved playing Australian rules football.

At 15, Deakin passed his exams for the University of Melbourne. He wanted to become a barrister, a type of lawyer. He studied law at night and worked as a teacher during the day. He became a lawyer in 1877.

He enjoyed debating and reading many books. He even wrote a play called Quentin Massys in 1875.

At first, Deakin struggled to find work as a lawyer. In 1878, he started writing for The Age newspaper. He later became editor of The Leader, a weekly paper. During this time, he became a supporter of protectionism. This policy aimed to protect local industries. He also became interested in spiritualism, a personal belief system.

Early Political Career

Caricature of Deakin in 1886

In February 1879, Deakin ran for a seat in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He supported changes to the government, protecting local businesses, and a land tax. He won the election. However, he resigned because some voters couldn't cast their ballots. He lost the next election but won again in July 1880.

In the 1880s, Deakin joined groups that worked on public issues. One was the National Anti-Sweating League. This group fought against unfair and harsh working conditions.

In 1882, Deakin married Elizabeth Martha Anne ("Pattie") Browne. They had three daughters: Ivy, Stella, and Vera.

Deakin held several important government jobs between 1883 and 1890. He was in charge of public works, water supply, and health. He also served as Solicitor-General of Victoria.

In 1885, Deakin helped pass a law called the Factories and Shops Act. This law set rules for working conditions and hours. In 1886, he helped create laws to manage water rights and support irrigation in Australia.

In 1887, he went to a big meeting in London called the Imperial Conference. There, he argued for Australia to pay less for defense from the British Navy. He also wanted more say in decisions about the New Hebrides.

In 1893, Deakin and his father lost their money in a property crash. He had to return to working as a lawyer to earn money again.

Deakin's Role in Federation

Alfred Deakin in 1898

After 1890, Deakin focused on uniting the Australian colonies. He was a delegate for Victoria at the Australasian Federal Conference in 1890. This meeting decided to create a federal constitution.

He was a key negotiator at the Federal Conventions in 1891 and 1897-1898. These meetings helped create much of the Constitution of Australia. Deakin often helped solve disagreements between delegates. He traveled around the country, speaking to people and encouraging them to support Federation.

In 1900, Deakin went to London with Edmund Barton and Charles Kingston. They worked with the British government to pass the Federation bill. They reached a compromise about appeals from the High Court of Australia to the Privy Council.

Deakin saw himself as an "independent Australian Briton." He wanted Australia to govern itself but remain loyal to the British Empire. He believed in a stronger British Empire.

Attorney-General of Australia

Photo in 1898 of the future 1st Prime Minister of Australia Edmund Barton and 2nd Prime Minister of Australia Alfred Deakin.

The first and second Prime Ministers of Australia, Edmund Barton and Alfred Deakin, amongst the 1901 cabinet.

In 1901, Deakin was elected to the first federal Parliament. He became the first Attorney-General of Australia in the government led by Edmund Barton. He helped write important laws for the public service, fair work practices, and the High Court.

He supported the Immigration Restriction Act, which was part of the White Australia policy. This policy aimed to limit non-European immigration to Australia. Deakin argued that it was important to protect Australia's European character.

In 1902, Deakin was the Acting Prime Minister of Australia while Barton was away. He handled important issues, including a disagreement with the Governor-General. He also helped pass the first customs tariff law.

In 1903, Deakin worked to establish the High Court of Australia. A law called the Judiciary Act 1903 created a High Court with three judges. He also worked on a bill for settling industrial disputes, but it was later withdrawn.

Prime Minister: First Term (1903–1904)

"Advance Australia" postcard, featuring a portrait of Deakin as the incumbent prime minister

After Edmund Barton retired, Deakin became prime minister on September 24, 1903. He also took on the role of Minister for External Affairs.

The 1903 Election and Party Politics

A month after becoming prime minister, Deakin called an early election in December 1903. He wanted to gain an advantage and appeal to new female voters.

Deakin's main message was "fiscal peace and preferential trade for a White Australia." "Fiscal peace" meant ending arguments over tariffs. "Preferential trade" aimed to strengthen ties with Britain. The election resulted in three main parties having similar numbers of seats.

Deakin described this situation as having "three elevens in the field instead of two." He believed it was important for the parties to combine into two stronger groups. This idea helped shape the future of Australia's political system.

Deakin's Resignation

Deakin tried to work with the Labor Party after the election. However, they did not agree on a new law about settling industrial disputes. The Labor Party wanted the law to cover state public servants, but Deakin believed this was unconstitutional.

On April 22, 1904, an amendment to the bill passed against Deakin's wishes. He saw this as a vote of no confidence in his government. He resigned as prime minister, and Chris Watson took over on April 27.

Out of Office (1904–1905)

Portrait by Arthur J. Melhuish

Deakin promised to support the new Watson government. His own party was divided. Some wanted to work with Labor, while others wanted to join the Free Traders.

Deakin did not want to join a government led by George Reid, the Free Trade leader. He also felt that joining Labor would weaken his party. He criticized Labor's strict party rules.

The Watson government fell in less than two weeks. Deakin supported Reid in forming a new government but did not join it himself. He encouraged other Protectionists to take ministerial roles.

During this time, Deakin considered leaving politics. He wrote articles for newspapers and focused on his religious interests. He also bought a holiday home at Point Lonsdale.

Return to Leadership

Cartoon of Deakin and Reid by Livingston Hopkins

In 1905, Deakin's supporters urged him to return to government. He felt renewed after a trip to Western Australia. Importantly, Chris Watson privately offered Labor's support if Deakin became prime minister again.

On June 24, 1905, Deakin gave a speech criticizing both Labor and the Free Traders. The Age newspaper said his speech was a "notice to Mr Reid to quit." Reid understood this to mean Deakin no longer supported him. Deakin then successfully moved a motion of no confidence against Reid's government. The Governor-General asked Deakin to form a new government.

Prime Minister: Second Term (1905–1908)

Alfred Deakin in 1905

Key Domestic Policies

Deakin became prime minister again in mid-1905 and held the position for three years. This was his longest and most successful time in office. His government created many important laws for Australia's early years. These included laws to create an Australian currency.

• The Copyright Act 1905 was passed.
• The Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics was set up in 1906.
• The Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology was established in 1908.
• The Quarantine Act 1908 was passed to protect Australia from diseases.

In 1906, Deakin's government increased the number of judges on the High Court to five. They also passed the first protective federal tariff. This "New Protection" aimed to ensure companies paid fair wages if they received tariff protection.

The Papua Act 1905 created an Australian administration for what was then British New Guinea. Deakin appointed Hubert Murray to lead Papua in 1908. His government also passed a bill to transfer control of the Northern Territory from South Australia to the Commonwealth.

Defense and International Relations

In December 1907, Deakin introduced a bill for compulsory military service for young men. He had long wanted Australia to have its own navy. In 1906, he announced Australia would buy destroyers.

In 1908, he invited Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet from the United States to visit Australia. This was a symbolic act of Australia's growing independence from Britain. His government also set aside money for naval spending. This helped create the first independent navy in the British Empire.

The Fusion Government (1909)

In 1908, the Labor Party again forced Deakin out of office. He then formed a new alliance called the "Fusion". This was with Joseph Cook and the Anti-Socialist Party. He returned to power in May 1909, leading Australia's first majority government.

Some people saw the Fusion as a betrayal of Deakin's earlier beliefs. Sir William Lyne even called him a "Judas."

Prime Minister: Third Term (1909–1910)

Deakin became prime minister for the third time on June 2, 1909. His new government included members from both parties in the Fusion.

In 1909, many important laws were passed. These included laws to create a separate Australian coinage. They also established compulsory military training for young men. Laws were passed to define the future Australian Capital Territory and create the first official Australian diplomat in London.

Deakin and John Forrest worked with state governments on the Financial Agreement of 1909. This agreement decided how federal money would be shared with the states. It became a model for how governments worked together financially. Deakin saw this as one of his most important achievements.

Final Election Defeat

Deakin expected to win the April 1910 federal election. This election was the first time voters had a clear choice between two main parties. However, the ALP won a clear majority in both houses of parliament.

Deakin called this "the Waterloo of the Liberal Party." Many of his former supporters voted for Labor. He himself won his seat by only a small number of votes.

Leader of the Opposition (1910–1913)

Deakin in January 1913, leaving Parliament House on his final day as Liberal leader

After the 1910 election, Deakin had less power as the opposition leader. The ALP had a clear majority. He wanted to retire but stayed on because there was no obvious successor.

He led the campaign against the Fisher government's proposed changes to the constitution in 1911. These changes would have given the federal government much more power. Deakin campaigned for two months, and the "No" vote won. This was seen as a big victory for the opposition.

By 1912, Deakin was tired of public life. He gave his last speech to parliament on December 18, 1912. He announced his retirement on January 8, 1913. He supported Joseph Cook to become the new leader of the Liberal Party. Deakin left parliament at the 1913 federal election.

Later Years and Legacy

Deakin's Final Years

Parliament House portrait of Deakin by Frederick McCubbin, 1914

After leaving politics, Deakin was offered a role as chairman of the Interstate Commission, but he declined. In 1914, he chaired a royal commission about food supply during World War I.

His last public role was leading the Australian group to the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. This was a ceremonial role.

Illness and Passing

Towards the end of his political career, Deakin began to suffer from health issues that affected his memory. He wrote in his diaries about his struggles. Doctors at the time could not give him a clear diagnosis.

Graves of Alfred and Pattie Deakin at St Kilda Cemetery

In 1916, Deakin and his wife traveled to England and the United States to seek medical advice. He returned to Australia in 1917 and mostly stayed at home.

Deakin's funeral procession leaving Parliament House, Melbourne

Deakin passed away at his home on October 7, 1919, at the age of 63. He was given a state funeral in Melbourne. He was buried next to his parents in St Kilda Cemetery.

Deakin's Writings and Beliefs

Deakin wrote a play called Quentin Massys when he was young. He also wrote many political articles for a London newspaper, even while he was prime minister.

His writings about the Federation movement were published as The Federal Story in 1944. This book is a very important source for understanding that time in history.

Deakin had strong personal beliefs. He was involved in the Theosophical Society and later the Australian Church. He felt a deep sense of purpose in his life and believed he was guided by a higher power. He often wrote in his private diaries about his spiritual journey.

Deakin's Family Life

Deakin had a happy marriage with Pattie. They had three daughters:

• Ivy (1883–1970) married a businessman. Her children included Wilfred Deakin Brookes, Jessie Deakin Clarke, and Alfred Deakin Brookes.
• Stella (1886–1976) married a scientist. Her son was Rohan Deakin Rivett.
• Vera (1891–1978) married a politician.

Honors and Recognition

Bust of Alfred Deakin by sculptor Wallace Anderson in Prime Ministers Avenue in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens

Alfred Deakin was well-liked and respected by people during his time. People often called him "Affable Alfred." He is considered a founding father by the modern Liberal Party of Australia.

Deakin usually turned down honors during his lifetime. He refused a knighthood and appointments to the Privy Council. He also declined honorary university degrees. He only accepted honors if he felt it would help Australia.

Deakin University is named after Alfred Deakin.

After his death, several places were named in his honor. Deakin University in Melbourne is named after him. Alfred Deakin High School in Canberra and Deakin House at Melbourne Grammar School also bear his name.

The suburb of Deakin in Canberra and the Division of Deakin in Melbourne are named after him. In 1969, Australia Post featured him on a postage stamp.

See also

In Spanish: Alfred Deakin para niños

• First Deakin Ministry
• Second Deakin Ministry
• Third Deakin Ministry
• List of prime ministers of Australia
• Deakin University