Anderson Dawson

Andrew Dawson (usually known as Anderson Dawson) (1863-1910), was an Australian politician, the Premier of Queensland, Australia for one week in 1899. This was the first elected labour party or parliamentary socialist government anywhere in the world.

Related Topics:
Australia - Queensland - 1899 - Labour party - Socialist

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Dawson was born at Rockhampton, Queensland, on 16 July 1863. He began work as a miner at Charters Towers, and later was elected first president of the Miners' Union.

Related Topics:
Rockhampton - 16 July - 1863 - Charters Towers

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He took up journalism and for a time was editor of the Charters Towers Eagle.

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He entered politics in 1893 as a Labour candidate for Charters Towers in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, and retained the seat at the 1896 and 1899 elections. When the Dickson government resigned on 1 December 1899 Dawson formed a ministry, which was, however, defeated directly the house met.

Related Topics:
Queensland Legislative Assembly - 1896 - 1899 - 1 December

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At the first federal election for the senate he was returned at the head of the Queensland poll. In April 1904 when J.C. Watson formed the first federal Labour government Dawson was given the portfolio of Minister for Defence.

Related Topics:
1904 - J.C. Watson

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He lost his seat at the federal election of December 1906 and died on 20 July 1910.

Related Topics:
1906 - 20 July - 1910

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The Federal electoral division of Dawson is named after him.

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(Details from Australian Dictionary of Biography, 1949)

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