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Kenneth Bailey (lawyer) facts for kids

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Kenneth Bailey
Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department
In office
9 May 1946 – 2 February 1964
Preceded by Sir George Knowles
Succeeded by Ted Hook
Personal details
Born
Kenneth Hamilton Bailey

(1898-11-03)3 November 1898
Canterbury, Victoria, Australia
Died 3 May 1972(1972-05-03) (aged 73)
Canberra, Australia
Spouse
Editha Olga Bailey
(m. 1925)
Children Peter Bailey
Alma mater University of Melbourne
Corpus Christi College, Oxford
Occupation Public servant, lawyer

Sir Kenneth Hamilton Bailey (born November 3, 1898, died May 3, 1972) was an important Australian public servant and lawyer. He is best known for leading the Attorney-General's Department for many years. This department helps the Australian government with legal matters.

Who Was Sir Kenneth Bailey?

Sir Kenneth Bailey was a very smart and dedicated person who worked for the Australian government. He held several important roles, especially in law and government. His work helped shape how Australia's legal system operated for decades.

Early Life and Education

Kenneth Bailey was born on November 3, 1898, in Canterbury, Victoria. He was an excellent student from a young age. In 1916, he was the top student at his high school, Wesley College.

He earned a special scholarship called the Rhodes Scholarship in 1918. This scholarship allowed him to study at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, in England. Interestingly, his son also later won the same scholarship.

A Career in Law and Government

In 1927, Kenneth Bailey became a professor at the University of Melbourne. He taught about law and justice. The next year, he became the first Australian-born dean of the university's law school. This was a big achievement.

From 1946 to 1964, Sir Kenneth held two very important jobs at the same time. He was the Solicitor-General of Australia and the Secretary of the Attorney-General's Department. As Solicitor-General, he was a chief legal advisor to the government. As Secretary, he managed the department that deals with Australia's laws.

During his time in these roles, he officially opened the Australian Police College in Barton. This happened on October 25, 1960. Sir Kenneth Bailey passed away on May 3, 1972, in Canberra.

Important Awards and Recognition

Sir Kenneth Bailey received several high honors for his service. In June 1953, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognizes great service to the country.

He was also knighted in 1958, which is why he is known as "Sir" Kenneth Bailey. This honor is given for outstanding achievements.

In 1972, the University of Melbourne gave him an honorary doctorate. This special degree recognized his long and distinguished service to the university.

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