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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 William McMahon.

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  3. Australia's prime ministers
  4. William McMahon
  5. William McMahon: fast facts

William McMahon: fast facts

William McMahon was the Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972.

Personal profile

Born

23 February 1908, Redfern, New South Wales

Education

  • Sydney Grammar School (1923-26)
  • University of Sydney: Bachelor of Laws (1933) and Bachelor of Economics (1949)

Employment

  • solicitor
  • soldier, Australian Imperial Force (1940-45)
  • politician

Memberships

Freemasons

Marriage

11 December 1965, Darling Point, New South Wales

Children

  • Melinda (1966)
  • Julian (1968)
  • Deborah (1971)

Died

31 March 1988, Potts Point, New South Wales

Honours

  • Privy Council (1966)
  • Order of the Companions of Honour (CH; 1972)
  • Knight Grand Cross, Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG; 1977)

Partner

Name

Sonia Rachel McMahon

Previous name

Sonia Rachel Hopkins

Born

1 August 1932, Strathfield, New South Wales

Memberships

  • Liberal Party
  • Australian-American Association
  • Queen's Club

Died

2 April 2010, Darlinghurst, New South Wales

Political profile

Term as Prime Minister

10 March 1971 to 5 December 1972

Term as Member of Parliament

  • House of Representatives: 22 February 1950 to 4 January 1982 (Lowe)

Portfolios

  • Navy: 17 July 1951 to 9 July 1954
  • Army: 17 July 1951 to 9 July 1954
  • Social Services: 9 July 1954 to 28 February 1956
  • Primary Industry: 11 January 1956 to 10 December 1958
  • Labour and National Service: 10 December 1958 to 26 January 1966
  • Vice-President of the Executive Council: 10 June 1964 to 26 January 1966
  • Treasurer: 26 January 1966 to 12 November 1969
  • External Affairs: 12 November 1969 to 10 March 1971

Political membership

  • Liberal Party
    • federal parliamentary deputy leader (20 Jan 1966 to 10 March 1971)
    • federal parliamentary leader (10 March 1971 to 20 December 1972)

In this section: William McMahon

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

Want some help?

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Help with your research

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All prime ministers

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