Walter Lee (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Walter Lee
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Portrait by Jack Cato
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| 24th Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 15 April 1916 – 12 August 1922 |
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| Preceded by | John Earle |
| Succeeded by | John Hayes |
| Constituency | Wilmot |
| In office 14 August 1923 – 25 October 1923 |
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| Preceded by | John Hayes |
| Succeeded by | Joseph Lyons |
| In office 15 March 1934 – 22 June 1934 |
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| Preceded by | John McPhee |
| Succeeded by | Albert Ogilvie |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Walter Henry Lee
27 April 1874 Longford, Tasmania |
| Died | 1 June 1963 (aged 89) Westbury, Tasmania, Australia |
| Political party | Nationalist |
| Other political affiliations |
Anti-Socialist Liberal |
| Spouse | Margaret Matilda Barnes |
Sir Walter Henry Lee (born 27 April 1874, died 1 June 1963) was an important Australian politician. He served as the Premier of Tasmania three times. A premier is like the leader of the government for a state or territory in Australia. He was also a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, which is a part of the state's parliament.
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Early Life and Career
Walter Lee was born in a town called Longford in Tasmania. He went to primary school there. After school, he joined his father's business. Later, he started his own business with his brother. They worked as wheelwrights, making and repairing wheels.
Starting in Politics
Walter Lee began his political career in 1909. He was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly. He represented the area of Wilmot. At first, he was part of the Anti-Socialist Party. This party later changed its name to the Tasmanian Liberal League. Then it became the Nationalist Party.
Becoming a Leader
In 1915, Walter Lee became the Leader of the Opposition. This means he was the main leader of the party that was not in power. In the 1916 election, his party won many seats. Because of this, Walter Lee became the Premier of Tasmania. He also worked as the Minister for Education.
Premier of Tasmania: First Term
Walter Lee's first time as Premier lasted a long time. It was from April 1916 to August 1922. Even though World War I was happening, his government ran quite smoothly. His party, the Nationalist Party, won the 1919 election again. They had a small majority, meaning they had just enough seats to stay in power.
Challenges and Changes
In the 1922 election, a new party appeared, called the Country Party. This split the votes for parties that were not Labor. The Country Party held the power to decide who would form the government. They did not want Walter Lee to be Premier. So, after a record time as Premier, Lee stepped down.
He handed over the role to John Hayes. They formed a coalition government, which means two parties worked together. Walter Lee became the Treasurer, managing the state's money.
Premier of Tasmania: Second and Third Terms
The state of Tasmania was facing money problems. John Hayes could not solve them. He resigned after only one year. Walter Lee became Premier again in August 1923. However, this term was very short, lasting only ten weeks. He was defeated by a "no-confidence motion" from the Labor party. This meant the parliament no longer supported him. Joseph Lyons from the Labor party then became Premier.
Final Term as Premier
Walter Lee became Premier for a third time in 1934. He was the Deputy Premier at the time. The Premier, John McPhee, had to retire because he was unwell. So, Walter Lee took over. This term also lasted only three months. The Labor party won the 1934 election.
Lee remained the Leader of the Opposition until 1936. He was the last non-Labor Premier of Tasmania for a long time, until 1969. In the 1946 election, he lost his seat in parliament. He ran as an Independent Liberal because the new Liberal Party did not support him.
Awards and Recognition
Walter Lee was recognized for his service. He was made a Knight in 1920. This gave him the title "Sir." In 1922, he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This is a very high honor.
