Lindsay Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lindsay Thompson
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Thompson in 1972
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| 40th Premier of Victoria Elections: 1982 |
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| In office 5 June 1981 – 8 April 1982 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Deputy | Bill Borthwick |
| Preceded by | Rupert Hamer |
| Succeeded by | John Cain Jr. |
| 19th Deputy Premier of Victoria | |
| In office 23 August 1972 – 5 June 1981 |
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| Premier | Rupert Hamer |
| Preceded by | Rupert Hamer |
| Succeeded by | Bill Borthwick |
| Member of Parliament for Malvern |
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| In office 30 May 1970 – 4 December 1982 |
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| Preceded by | John Bloomfield |
| Succeeded by | Geoff Leigh |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson
15 October 1923 Warburton, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 16 July 2008 (aged 84) Malvern, Victoria, Australia |
| Political party | Liberal Party |
| Spouse | Joan Margaret Poynder |
| Children | Murray Thompson |
| Alma mater | University of Melbourne |
| Cabinet | Thompson Ministry |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Branch/service | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Signalman |
Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson was an important Australian politician and army officer. He was the 40th Premier of Victoria from 1981 to 1982. Before that, he served as the 19th Deputy Premier from 1972 to 1981.
Thompson holds a record for being the longest-serving member in Victorian parliamentary history. He served for 27 years in total. During his time, he managed important areas like housing, education, police, and treasury. He is especially remembered for his brave actions during the Faraday School kidnapping when he was the education minister.
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Early Life and Education
Lindsay Thompson was born in Warburton, a town near Melbourne, on 15 October 1923. His parents were both schoolteachers. When he was only two years old, his father passed away. This meant his mother raised him in tough times.
He was a very bright student. He earned a scholarship to attend Caulfield Grammar School. He did so well that he became both the school captain and the top student (dux). Later, in 1997, the school named its new gymnasium the Lindsay Thompson Centre in his honour.
After school, Thompson joined the Australian Army during World War II. He served as a signalman. After the war, he went to the University of Melbourne. He earned degrees in arts and education. He then became a school teacher himself, teaching at Malvern Central Primary School and Melbourne High School.
Political Journey
In 1955, Lindsay Thompson began his political career. He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council as a Liberal Party member. He served there until 1970. Then, he moved to the Legislative Assembly as the Member of Parliament for Malvern.
In 1958, Thompson became an Assistant Chief Secretary in the government. He continued to serve as a minister without any breaks until 1982. This made him the longest-serving minister in Victoria's history. Only a few other Australian politicians have served continuously for longer.
He was the Minister for Housing from 1961 to 1967. During this time, many of Melbourne's large public housing towers were built. In 1967, he became the Minister for Education. He held this job for a record amount of time, until 1979. He oversaw a huge growth in state education across Victoria.
Faraday School Hero
In 1972, a scary event happened. A teacher and six children were kidnapped from a school in Faraday. The kidnapper demanded a large ransom. As the education minister, Thompson bravely went to the meeting spot. He was ready to deliver the ransom himself. Luckily, the teacher and children managed to escape before he had to.
Thompson received an award for his courage during this kidnapping.
Becoming Premier of Victoria
Lindsay Thompson served as the Deputy Premier under Rupert Hamer. He also held other important roles, like Chief Secretary, Treasurer, and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. On 5 June 1981, Rupert Hamer stepped down as Premier. Thompson then won a vote within the Liberal Party to become the new Premier.
The Liberal Party had been in power for 27 years. The new Labor leader, John Cain, was becoming very popular. Many people felt the government was getting old and not doing enough.
Thompson knew he had to call an election soon. He waited as long as he could, finally holding the election in April 1982. In that election, the Liberal Party lost by a lot. They lost 17 seats, which was a huge defeat for a sitting government in Victoria.
After the election, Thompson resigned as the Liberal leader and left Parliament on 5 November 1982. He was a strong supporter of keeping the monarchy of Australia.
Awards and Interests
Lindsay Thompson received several honours for his public service. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1975. In 1990, he became an Officer of the Order of Australia for his work in government and politics. He also received a Centenary Medal in 2001.
Throughout his life, Thompson was a huge fan of the Richmond Football Club. He often went to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to watch his favourite team play. He was a "Number One ticket holder" for the club and became a life member in 1993.
He had a long connection with the MCG. He was a member of the MCG trust for 32 years, from 1967 to 1999. He even served as chairman from 1987 to 1998. Thompson had the honour of laying the first stone for the construction of the Great Southern Stand at the ground.
Family Life
In 1950, Lindsay Thompson married Joan Poynder. They had three children: Murray, David, and Heather. His son, Murray, also followed in his footsteps and became a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1992 to 2018.
Legacy
Lindsay Thompson passed away on 16 July 2008. At his funeral, many people spoke kindly of him. Former Prime Minister John Howard said that he never heard anyone say anything bad about Lindsay Thompson. He added that this was very rare in Australian politics.
See also
- List of Caulfield Grammar School people
