Les Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Les Johnson
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| Minister for Aboriginal Affairs | |
| In office 6 June 1975 – 11 November 1975 |
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| Prime Minister | Gough Whitlam |
| Preceded by | Jim Cavanagh |
| Succeeded by | Tom Drake-Brockman |
| Minister for Housing and Construction | |
| In office 30 November 1973 – 6 June 1975 |
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| Prime Minister | Gough Whitlam |
| Preceded by | Himself (Housing; Works) |
| Succeeded by | John Carrick |
| Minister for Works | |
| In office 9 October 1973 – 30 November 1973 |
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| Prime Minister | Gough Whitlam |
| Preceded by | Jim Cavanagh |
| Succeeded by | Himself (Housing & Construction) |
| Minister for Housing | |
| In office 19 December 1972 – 30 November 1973 |
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| Prime Minister | Gough Whitlam |
| Preceded by | Kevin Cairns |
| Succeeded by | Himself (Housing & Construction) |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Hughes |
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| In office 25 October 1969 – 19 December 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Don Dobie |
| Succeeded by | Robert Tickner |
| In office 10 December 1955 – 26 November 1966 |
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| Preceded by | New seat |
| Succeeded by | Don Dobie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 November 1924 Enfield, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 26 May 2015 (aged 90) |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouses | (1) Gladys Jones (2) Marion Sharkey (nee Legge) |
| Children | Grant, Sally, Jenny |
| Occupation | fitter and turner, union organiser |
Leslie Royston Johnson (born November 22, 1924, died May 26, 2015) was an important Australian politician. He was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). He served as a minister in the government led by Gough Whitlam. His roles included Minister for Housing, Works, Housing and Construction, and Aboriginal Affairs. He represented the area of Hughes in New South Wales in the Australian Parliament for many years. Later, he was Australia's top diplomat in New Zealand (called a High Commissioner). He returned home early because his daughter was very ill.
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Early Life and Work
Johnson was born in Enfield, New South Wales, Australia. This was on November 22, 1924. He started working as a boilermaker's helper. Then, he became an apprentice fitter and turner. This means he learned to make and fix machines.
He was very active in the Amalgamated Engineering Union. He even led its youth committee in New South Wales. Later, he worked as an organiser for another union, the Federated Clerks Union. He also owned a general store and newsagency in Gymea.
Political Career
Les Johnson was elected to the House of Representatives. This is part of Australia's Parliament. He became the first representative for the new area called Hughes. This happened in the 1955 election. He held this seat until he lost in the 1966 election. He was defeated by Don Dobie from the Liberal Party.
Returning to Parliament
Before the 1969 election, the boundaries of the Hughes area changed. This made it a safer seat for the Labor Party. Don Dobie decided to run in a different area. Les Johnson then won back the Hughes seat. He held it easily until 1983.
Ministerial Roles
After the Labor Party won the December 1972 election, Les Johnson became a minister. He joined the government led by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
- He was the Minister for Housing from 1972 to 1973.
- In October 1973, he also became the Minister for Works.
- In November 1973, these two roles combined. He became the Minister for Housing and Construction.
- In June 1975, he moved to a new role. He became the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
He lost his position in November 1975. This was due to the dismissal of the Whitlam Government. After this, he became the Opposition Whip. This is a role that helps manage a political party in opposition.
Later Political Life
The Labor Party returned to power in the March 1983 election. Les Johnson did not become a minister again. However, he was chosen as the chairman of committees. This is an important role in the House of Representatives.
He left Parliament in December 1983. He then became Australia's High Commissioner to New Zealand. This means he was Australia's main diplomat there. He had to leave this job early. His daughter, Sally Anne Penman, became very ill. She sadly passed away in 1988.
Personal Life
Les Johnson married Gladys (Peg) Jones in 1947. They had three children: Grant, Sally, and Jenny. Gladys passed away in 2002. In 2003, Les Johnson married Marion Sharkey. They lived in Shoal Bay, New South Wales.
In June 1990, Les Johnson was given an award. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This award recognizes his service to Australia. He passed away on May 26, 2015, at the age of 90.
