Albert Jaime Grassby, AM (12 July 1926 – 23 April 2005), Australian politician, was Minister for Immigration in the Whitlam Labor government. He initiated sweeping reforms in immigration and human rights and introduced the word "multiculturalism" to Australian society.
Born Albert Grass in Brisbane, Queensland to parents of Spanish and Irish descent, Grassby changed his name to emphasise his Irish roots. After working as a journalist and a consul...
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Albert Jaime Grassby, AM (12 July 1926 – 23 April 2005), Australian politician, was Minister for Immigration in the Whitlam Labor government. He initiated sweeping reforms in immigration and human rights and introduced the word "multiculturalism" to Australian society.
Born Albert Grass in Brisbane, Queensland to parents of Spanish and Irish descent, Grassby changed his name to emphasise his Irish roots. After working as a journalist and a consultant on agricultural issues, Grassby was elected as a Labor Party MLA for the New South Wales state electorate of Murrumbidgee in 1965, where he served as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Conservation between 1968 and 1969. His high profile and popularity in the local community encouraged him to enter federal politics.
Grassby won the rural electorate of Riverina for the Labor Party at the 1969 federal election and following Gough Whitlam's victory at the 1972 election, he was appointed Minister for Immigration. In this role, Grassby...
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