Reg Withers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Reg Withers
Vice-President of the Executive Council Minister for Finance
In office 22 December 1975 – 7 August 1978
Preceded by	Gordon Bryant
Succeeded by	Eric Robinson
Special Minister of State Minister for the Capital Territory
In office 11 November 1975 – 22 December 1975
Preceded by	Gordon Bryant
Succeeded by	Eric Robinson
Leader of the Government in the Senate
In office 11 November 1975 – 7 August 1978
Preceded by	Ken Wriedt
Succeeded by	John Carrick
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
In office 20 December 1972 – 11 November 1975
Preceded by	Lionel Murphy
Succeeded by	Ken Wriedt
Senator for Western Australia
In office 1 July 1968 – 6 June 1987
Succeeded by	John Panizza
In office 17 February 1966 – 25 November 1966
Preceded by	Sir Shane Paltridge
Succeeded by	Laurie Wilkinson
Lord Mayor of Perth
In office 1991–1994
Preceded by	Chas Hopkins
Succeeded by	Peter Nattrass
Personal details
Born	Reginald Greive Withers (1924-10-26)26 October 1924 Bunbury, Western Australia
Died	15 November 2014(2014-11-15) (aged 90) Perth, Western Australia
Political party	Liberal Party of Australia
Alma mater	University of Western Australia
Profession	Solicitor, barrister
Military service
Allegiance	Australia
Branch/service	Royal Australian Navy
Years of service	1942–1946
Unit	HMAS Leeuwin

Reginald Greive Withers (26 October 1924 – 15 November 2014) was an important Australian politician. He served for many years in the Australian Senate, was a government minister, and even became the Lord Mayor of Perth.

Early Life and Education

Reg Withers was born in Bunbury, Western Australia. His father, Frederick Withers, was also a politician. Reg went to Perth Technical College for his education.

He joined the Royal Australian Navy and served from 1942 until 1946. After his time in the navy, he returned to Australia. He then studied law at the University of Western Australia. While at university, he joined the Liberal Party of Australia.

A Career in Politics

Reg Withers in 1991 as Lord Mayor of Perth

Starting in Law and Local Government

After finishing his studies, Reg Withers became a lawyer in Bunbury. He worked as a solicitor and later as a barrister. He was elected to the Bunbury Municipal Council. He also became very involved with the Liberal Party. He held important roles like State President and Vice-President.

Serving in the Senate

Reg Withers first entered the Australian Senate in 1966. He filled a spot that became empty when another Senator passed away. He lost his seat later that year but was re-elected in 1967. He returned to the Senate in 1968 and served for many years.

He was known for his friendly personality. From 1969 to 1971, he was the Senate Government Whip. This role involves making sure party members vote together. After the government changed in 1972, Withers became the Opposition Leader in the Senate. He worked to challenge many of the new government's laws. He was sometimes called "The Toecutter" because he was strict about party loyalty.

Government Minister

In 1975, Reg Withers was appointed to the government's first ministry. He became the Vice-President of the Executive Council. He also briefly held other important roles. These included Special Minister of State and Minister for the Capital Territory.

After a federal election, Withers became the Minister for Administrative Services. He continued as Vice-President of the Executive Council until 1978. He later left his role as minister.

Later Career and Public Service

In 1977, Reg Withers was made a Privy Counsellor. This is an honorary title. He retired from federal politics in 1987.

After leaving federal politics, he was elected Lord Mayor of Perth. He served in this role from 1991 until 1994. He also took part in the 1998 Constitutional Convention. This was a meeting to discuss Australia's future as a country.

Death

Reg Withers passed away in Perth, Western Australia, on 15 November 2014. He was 90 years old.