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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.

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Portrait of Joseph Lyons

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  5. Joseph Lyons: after office

Joseph Lyons: after office

Joseph Lyons was the Prime Minister of Australia from 1932 to 1939.

On 7 April 1939, Joseph Aloysius (Joe) Lyons became the first prime minister to die in office. He had driven from The Lodge in Canberra to Sydney, en route to his home in Tasmania for Easter, when he suffered a heart attack, dying in hospital in Sydney on Good Friday.

Dame Enid Lyons’ reply to the condolences of former Prime Minister Joseph Cook on the death of Joseph Lyons.

Dame Enid Lyons’ reply to the condolences of former Prime Minister Joseph Cook on the death of Joseph Lyons. NAA: M3603, 7

In this section: Joseph Lyons

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

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