Bruce Hamilton (public servant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bruce Hamilton
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|---|---|
| Secretary of the Department of Social Services | |
| In office 1 January 1966 – 19 December 1972 |
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| Secretary of the Department of Social Security | |
| In office 20 December 1972 – 9 January 1973 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Leslie Bruce Hamilton
4 July 1911 Nook, Tasmania |
| Died | 12 June 1989 (aged 77) Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Nationality |  Australian |
| Spouses | Amy Mary Adam (m. 1936–1975; her death) Isobel Elizabeth Dahl (m. 1976–1989; his death) |
| Parents | George Hamilton and Margaret Ann, née Peters |
| Occupation | Public servant |
Leslie Bruce Hamilton (born July 4, 1911 – died June 12, 1989) was an important Australian public servant. He worked for the government and helped lead departments that looked after people's well-being. From 1966 to 1973, he was in charge of the Department of Social Services. This department later became known as the Department of Social Security.
Contents
Bruce Hamilton's Life and Work
Early Life and Career Start
Bruce Hamilton was born in a place called Nook, in Tasmania, Australia. His birthday was July 4, 1911. His parents were George Hamilton and Margaret Ann.
Bruce began his career working for the Australian government in 1939. He started as an Army Paymaster in Tasmania. This meant he helped manage money for the army. In 1940, he moved to Canberra, which is Australia's capital city.
Leading Social Services
On January 1, 1966, Bruce Hamilton became the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. A "secretary" in this sense is like the top boss of a government department. This department was very important because it helped people in need.
During his time as the head of this department, Bruce Hamilton made big changes. He helped introduce new laws to support more people. For example, he brought in help for mothers who were left to raise their children alone. He also helped create programs for home care and emergency relief. This meant more support for people who needed help in their homes or during difficult times.
Changes in Government
In 1972, a new government, called the Whitlam government, was elected. They decided to change how some government departments worked. The Department of Social Services was closed down. A new department, called the Department of Social Security, was created in its place.
Bruce Hamilton was the Secretary of this new Department of Social Security for a short time. He retired less than a month after the new department started.
Later Life
Bruce Hamilton passed away on June 12, 1989. He died at the Royal Canberra Hospital.
Awards and Recognition
Bruce Hamilton received special awards for his hard work and service to Australia.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
In 1966, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award recognized his excellent work as a senior public servant. At that time, he was working at the Department of the Treasury, which manages Australia's money.
Commander of the Order of the British Empire
In June 1972, he received an even higher award. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This happened while he was leading the Social Services Department. These awards show that he was highly respected for his dedication to public service.
