Frederick Innes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Innes
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| 9th Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 4 November 1872 – 4 August 1873 |
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| Preceded by | James Milne Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Alfred Kennerley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 August 1816 Edinburgh, Scotland, UK |
| Died | 11 May 1882 (aged 65) Launceston, Tasmania |
| Nationality |  British |
Frederick Maitland Innes (born 11 August 1816 – died 11 May 1882) was an important politician in Tasmania, Australia. He served as the Premier of Tasmania from 4 November 1872 to 4 August 1873.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Frederick Innes was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 11 August 1816. His father, Francis Innes, was an army officer.
Frederick went to school at Heriot's in Edinburgh and Kelso Grammar School. After finishing school, he worked for his uncle, who managed estates for the Duke of Roxburghe.
Moving to Tasmania
In 1836, when he was about 20 years old, Frederick Innes decided to move to Tasmania. He arrived in Hobart in 1837 and started working for a newspaper called the Hobart Town Courier.
A few years later, he went back to Great Britain. While there, he wrote for newspapers in London and also for a well-known book series called the Penny Cyclopaedia.
Return to Tasmania and Journalism
Frederick Innes returned to Tasmania in 1843. He worked with several newspapers in Hobart, including the Observer.
Around 1846, he moved to Launceston and continued his work as a journalist. Later, he decided to try farming.
A Career in Politics
When Tasmania introduced a new system of government called "responsible government," Frederick Innes became involved in politics.
In September 1856, he was elected as a member for the area of Morven in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. This was the main law-making body in Tasmania at the time.
Important Government Roles
Frederick Innes held several key positions in the Tasmanian government:
- Colonial Treasurer: He served as the person in charge of the colony's money (like a finance minister) in four different governments. He held this role from 25 April 1857 to 1 November 1862.
- Colonial Secretary: He was also the Colonial Secretary from 1 November 1862 to 20 January 1863. This role was similar to a chief administrator.
After these roles, he became a member of the Tasmanian Legislative Council. This was another important part of the government.
In 1864, he was chosen as the chairman of committees in the Legislative Council. From 1868 to 1872, he was elected as the President of the Council, which is a very important leadership position.
Becoming Premier
Frederick Innes resigned from the Legislative Council and returned to the House of Assembly. On 4 November 1872, he became the Premier of Tasmania. This meant he was the leader of the government. He also served as Colonial Secretary during this time.
His time as Premier lasted until 4 August 1873. After this, a new government led by Alfred Kennerley took over.
Later Political Life
In March 1875, Frederick Innes joined the Kennerley government as Colonial Treasurer again. He held this position until July 1876.
After this, he retired from the House of Assembly. However, he was elected back to the Legislative Council in September 1877. In 1880, he was once again made President of the Council.
Personal Life and Legacy
Frederick Innes passed away in Launceston on 11 May 1882, at the age of 65.
In 1838, he married Sarah Elizabeth Grey. She was the daughter of free settlers in Tasmania. They had sons and daughters together, and Sarah survived him.
Frederick Innes was known as a very capable and fair-minded person. He was especially good at managing the colony's money. When he first became Colonial Treasurer, Tasmania's finances were in a difficult situation. He worked hard to improve them during his five and a half years in that role.
