Milton Morris facts for kids

Milton Arthur Morris was an important Australian politician. He was born on April 2, 1924, and passed away on February 27, 2019. He was a member of the Liberal Party. Mr. Morris represented the area of Maitland in the New South Wales Parliament for many years. He is especially remembered for helping to create new laws that made driving safer for everyone. He was also given the AO award, which is a high honor in Australia.

Milton Morris's Early Life

Milton Morris was born in April 1924 in a place called Mayfield. His father, Arthur Henry Morris, worked as a train guard. His mother's name was Janet Thomson.

Milton went to Wickham Public School and later to Newcastle Junior Boys High School. When he was 18, in 1942, he briefly joined the Royal Australian Navy. After that, he moved to the Volunteer Defence Corps. This was a part-time group where he worked as an anti-aircraft gunner from 1942 until 1945, during the Second World War.

In October 1945, he married Colleen Joan Burgess. They had four children together: one son and three daughters.

Milton Morris's Political Journey

Milton Morris became a member of the Liberal Party in 1954. He was also a local council member for the Lower Hunter Shire from 1954 to 1958.

When the current representative for Maitland, Walter Howarth, retired, Milton Morris was chosen by the Liberal Party to run for the seat. He won the election and became the new representative. He was re-elected many times, serving the Maitland area from 1956 until 1980.

Making Roads Safer

During his time in politics, Milton Morris held several important jobs in the government. One of his most important roles was Minister for Transport from 1965 to 1975. In this role, he worked hard to make roads safer for everyone.

He introduced several new rules and technologies, including:

• The breathalyzer, which checks if drivers have too much alcohol in their system.
• Radar speed traps, which help police catch drivers going too fast.
• Making it compulsory to wear seat belts in cars.

He also helped create the Traffic Accident Research Unit. This group used science to study car accidents and find ways to prevent them.

The "Supercar Scare"

In 1972, Milton Morris played a part in what was called the "Supercar scare." A newspaper article talked about very powerful V8 cars that car companies like Holden and Ford were planning to sell. These cars were also being developed for a big race called the Bathurst 500.

Milton Morris was very concerned about these fast cars. He called them "bullets on wheels." His comments, along with the newspaper article, led to the car companies stopping their plans to sell these powerful V8 cars to the public.

Leaving Parliament

Milton Morris left his role as the representative for Maitland in 1980. He decided to run for a different political position in the Federal Parliament. Although he didn't win that election, he came very close. After he left parliament, Queen Elizabeth II allowed him to continue using the special title "The Honourable."

Later Years and Legacy

After his last election campaign, Milton Morris did not return to politics. In an interview in 2008, he was known by the nickname 'Mr Maitland.' He said he had no regrets about leaving politics, but he truly loved his time as Transport Minister.

Milton Morris passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 27, 2019.

Community Work and Awards

Milton Morris was also very active in his community. He held many important roles, including:

• Chairman of Hunter Valley Training.
• Honorary Chairman of Lewis House Apprentice Hostel in Mayfield.
• Patron of the East Maitland branch of the Returned Serviceman's League.
• Patron of The Mai-Wel Group.
• Patron of Waratah Brass.
• Honorary Prefect of Hunter Christian School.
• Patron of the Sydney Heritage Fleet from 1965 to 1986.

Awards and Honors

Milton Morris received two special awards for his contributions:

• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1988: This award recognized his important work in politics, and his help for young people and the community.
• Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland) in 1989: This award was given to him for his support and service to Poland and its people.