Gorton, Sir John Grey

▪ 2003

      Australian politician (b. Sept. 9, 1911, Melbourne, Australia—d. May 19, 2002, Sydney, Australia), was a colourful, nationalistic Australian prime minister (1968–71) who expanded the role of the federal government at the expense of the states, sponsored increased opportunities for Aboriginals, endorsed protectionist trade policies, and maintained Australia's commitment to the Vietnam War while complaining about insufficient access to U.S. intelligence. Gorton was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, and took over his father's fruit farm when he returned to Australia in 1936. As a fighter pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, he survived several crashes, sustaining disfiguring facial injuries in the first of them. After the war Gorton entered politics, winning a Senate seat for the newly created Liberal Party in 1949. He held several minor cabinet posts and was minister of education in December 1967 when Prime Minister Harry Holt disappeared while swimming and was presumed drowned. Gorton was the surprise choice to succeed Holt, but his emphasis on a strong central government, his aggressive reforms, and his abrasive personal style led to a no-confidence vote within the Liberal Party in March 1971. With the caucus deadlocked, Gorton cast the deciding ballot and voted himself out of office. He was made a Companion of Honour in 1971, knighted in 1977, and named to the Order of Australia in 1988. Gorton's authorized biography, He Did It His Way, was published in early 2002.

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▪ prime minister of Australia

born September 9, 1911, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

died May 19, 2002, Sydney, New South Wales

 statesman who, as prime minister of Australia (1968–71), maintained his country's military commitment in Vietnam and expanded the role of the federal government in education, science, and taxation.

      After distinguished service as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II, Gorton was elected to national office in 1949 as a senator for Victoria. He directed a reequipment program as minister of the navy (1958–63) and then served as minister of works (1963–66). He administered the government scientific research program from 1962 to 1968, and in 1966 he was named the first minister for education and science. Following Harold Holt (Holt, Harold)'s death in 1967, he became prime minister, leading a coalition of the Liberal and Country parties.

      As prime minister, Gorton maintained Australian troops in South Vietnam, although he was less absolute in adhering to American policy than was his predecessor. Gorton sponsored legislation extending educational and employment opportunities for Aboriginals. He resigned in March 1971, losing a Liberal Party vote of confidence, but served as minister for defense in the subsequent administration of William McMahon (McMahon, Sir William). Later he left the Liberal Party and became an independent critic of national affairs. He was knighted in 1977.

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