Alfred Deakin as Prime Minister
> 1903-04 | 1905-08
| 1909-10
Portrait of Alfred Deakin (nla.pic-an23302212)
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1903-04
Deakin’s first term as Prime Minister was characterised
by him as being like ‘three elevens trying to play in the
same cricket match’. Parliament was dominated by protectionists,
anti-protectionists and Labour and Deakin felt strongly that such
a situation was incompatible with representative government. His
first government passed no legislation – Deakin proposed to
go ‘straight on’, which meant defeat unless the other
parties changed their attitudes towards his Arbitration Bill. Ultimately,
it was to be his refusal to bring State employees under Federal
control in this Bill that brought down his government in 1904.
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1905-08
The three years of Deakin’s second term of office were amongst
the most important for the new Commonwealth. Deakin formed a government
with Labour support and proceeded to deal with issues such as welfare,
the High Court and the ultimate location of the seat of government.
It was during this term that vital aspects of Commonwealth administration
were put into place. The Copyright Act of 1905 established the basis
for a national, uniform system for copyright and the Quarantine
Act of 1908 did similarly for a national quarantine system. The
Bureau of Census and Statistics and the Meteorology Bureau were
also established during this time, as was the Commonwealth Literary
Fund and old-age pensions.
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Alfred Deakin at his desk (nla.pic-an23309662)
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Deakin also took a more independent line than previously with regard
to defence and foreign policy – rather than pay for protection
from the Royal Navy, he argued strongly for the establishment of an
Australian
Navy. He also solicited a visit by the US fleet (the 'Great White Fleet'),
again flying in the face of British government policy. In his own
portfolio
of External
Affairs, the Papua Act of 1905 established Australian administration
and protection for New Guinea.
His government was defeated on 13 November 1908 when Labour withdrew
their support over a protection bill.
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Caricature of Alfred Deakin, c.1910
(nla.pic-an6054413)
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1909-10
Despite his reluctance to resume responsibilities as head of government,
Deakin was forced to take office for the third time because an alliance
between the three parties meant that he was the only acceptable
candidate to fill the role of Prime Minister! Deakin led a ‘Fusion’
government, which included Labour, the Protectionists and the Free
Traders. Parliamentary debate during this time was characterised
by aggression, vituperation and obstruction, although some useful
legislation continued to be passed. This government of opposites
was doomed to fail and indeed was defeated resoundingly at the general
election on 13 April 1910.
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References
See also: Alfred Deakin: biography | Alfred
Deakin's family | Alfred
Deakin and Federation
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Page last updated:
September 20, 2003
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