First Australian Prime Minister, appointed in lieu of William Lyne after the Hopetoun Blunder. Elected 1901 (inaugural federal election). Introduced Immigration Restriction Act 1901 to limit non-European settlement of Australia (commonly known as the White Australia Policy). Retired to pursue judicial career.
Sir Edmund Barton
(1849–1920)
Elected 1903; three-way hung Parliament, with government reliant on Labor support. Unable to pass any legislation; resigned.
Re-elected 1906. Passed extensive legislation; Arranged for Australian control of Papua and Northern Territory; expanded High Court to five justices.
Alfred Deakin
(1856–1919)
First Labor Prime Minister in the world. Enacted tax reforms. Minority government; sought a double dissolution to allow an election; refused by the Governor-General; resigned.
Chris Watson
(1867–1941)
Premier of New South Wales 1894–1899; first former state premier to become Prime Minister. Minority government; resigned when Protectionists and Labor formed an alliance.
Sir George Reid
(1845–1918)
Seat of Government Act, providing for a federal capital at Canberra; Workers' wage reform; Prepared for establishment of the Navy. Ousted by Parliamentary majority held by the newly merged Commonwealth Liberal Party.
Andrew Fisher
(1862–1928)
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