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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the National Archives' website and collection contain the names, images and voices of people who have died.

Some records include terms and views that are not appropriate today. They reflect the period in which they were created and are not the views of the National Archives.

This is a black-and-white portrait of Prime Minister John McEwen.

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  4. John McEwen

John McEwen

John McEwen was the Prime Minister of Australia from 1967 to 1968.

About John McEwen

Portrait of John McEwen.

  • Born: 29 March 1900
  • Died: 20 November 1980
  • Partner: Annie Mills (Anne) McEwen
  • Political party: Australian Country Party
  • Image: NAA: A1200, L66448

John McEwen was Australia's 18th Prime Minister, from 19 December 1967 to 10 January 1968, following the death of Harold Holt. His term as Prime Minister came near the end of his 37 years in parliament.

Though only briefly Prime Minister, McEwen served as deputy Prime Minister for twelve years, in the governments of Robert Menzies, Harold Holt and John Gorton. He was acting Prime Minister many times in the years from 1958 to 1971.

McEwen held the key ministerial responsibilities of Commerce and Trade for 20 years from 1949 to 1971. During this time the portfolio emphasis moved away from agriculture and into the broader industry area. Though a farmer and Country Party leader, McEwen also moved the emphasis from low tariffs to protection of manufacturing industries.

McEwen was a Member of Parliament for Echuca, Indi and then Murray from 1934 to 1971.

Did you know?

John McEwen:

  • was extremely frugal, as a farmer in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley in the 1920s he was known as ‘Second hand Jack’
  • had a feud with William McMahon known as one of the parliament’s most bitter
  • had a 16-year coalition partnership with Robert Menzies that was the parliament’s most enduring
  • was nicknamed ‘Black Jack’ by Robert Menzies, for his dark, ‘beetle-browed’ appearance and manner
  • was one of three Australian prime ministers awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, First Class (the others were Edmund Barton and Robert Menzies)

In this section: John McEwen

  • Fast facts
  • Timeline
  • Before office
  • Elections
  • During office
  • After office
  • Partner
  • Key people
  • Records

Learning Resources

Original records and material to help students with their research.

Record

Acceptance of European refugees in Australia – statement from John McEwen.

Acceptance of European refugees in Australia – statement from John McEwen

A statement made by the Minister for the Interior in the House of Representatives on 1 December 1938 regarding the acceptance of European refugees in Australia.

Record

Country Party leader John McEwen defending Australia's involvement in Vietnam War.

Country Party leader John McEwen defending Australia's involvement in Vietnam War

This is a typed letter from John McEwen, Country Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister, to a constituent, Myles Chappell.

Records about John McEwen

View selected National Archives' records about John McEwen

View records

Explore Prime Ministers

Portrait of Harold Holt.

Harold Holt

1966–1967

Portrait of John Gorton.

John Gorton

1968–1971

Portrait of William McMahon.

William McMahon

1971–1972

Old Parliament House, Canberra

All prime ministers

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The National Archives of Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, their cultures and Elders past, present and emerging.

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