Sir Arthur William Fadden, GCMG (13 April 1894 – 21 April 1973) was an Australian politician and, briefly, 13th Prime Minister of Australia.
Fadden was born in Ingham, Queensland, the son of a Presbyterian police officer. He was educated at state schools, and later studied accountancy while working as a clerk. Once he had qualified he became assistant Town Clerk of Mackay, then Town Clerk. In 1919 Fadden helped form the North Queensland Rugby Lea...
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Sir Arthur William Fadden, GCMG (13 April 1894 – 21 April 1973) was an Australian politician and, briefly, 13th Prime Minister of Australia.
Fadden was born in Ingham, Queensland, the son of a Presbyterian police officer. He was educated at state schools, and later studied accountancy while working as a clerk. Once he had qualified he became assistant Town Clerk of Mackay, then Town Clerk. In 1919 Fadden helped form the North Queensland Rugby League, and served as its founding secretary. In the 1920s he established a successful accountancy firm with offices in Brisbane and Townsville. He was active in the Country Party from its foundation.
In 1932 Fadden was elected for one term to the Queensland Legislative Assembly. He was defeated in 1935. The following year, though, he won a by-election in the federal seat of Darling Downs. He was a blunt, effective debater and soon made an impression. When Archie Cameron resigned suddenly as Country Party leader in 1940, there was a deadlock...
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