Fred Chaney Sr.

Sir Frederick Charles Chaney KBE, AFC (20 October 1914 – 17 December 2001) was an Australian politician. He served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1955 to 1969, as federal Minister for the Navy from 1964 to 1966, as Administrator of the Northern Territory from 1970 to 1973, and finally as Lord Mayor of Perth from 1978 to 1982.

The Honourable
Sir Fred Chaney
KBE, AFC
8th Administrator of the Northern Territory
In office
4 March 1970 – 10 December 1973
Governor-GeneralSir Paul Hasluck
Preceded byRoger Dean
Succeeded byJock Nelson
Minister for the Navy
In office
4 March 1964 – 14 December 1966
Prime MinisterRobert Menzies
Harold Holt
Preceded byJim Forbes
Succeeded byDon Chipp
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Perth
In office
10 December 1955 – 25 October 1969
Preceded byTom Burke
Succeeded byJoe Berinson
Lord Mayor of Perth
In office
1978–1982
Preceded byErnest Henry Lee-Steere
Succeeded byMick Michael
Personal details
Born(1914-10-20)20 October 1914
Fremantle, Western Australia
Died17 December 2001(2001-12-17) (aged 87)
Political partyLiberal Party of Australia
SpouseMavis
ChildrenFred Chaney
Robin nee Chaney
Karen nee Chaney
Richard Chaney[1]
Michael Chaney
John Chaney
Jillian née Chaney
OccupationTeacher
Military service
AllegianceAustralia
Branch/serviceRoyal Australian Air Force
Years of service1941–1945
RankFlight Lieutenant
Battles/warsSecond World War
AwardsAir Force Cross

Early life

Chaney was born in Fremantle, Western Australia and educated in state and Catholic schools. As a result of his sporting ability he won a scholarship to attend Christian Brothers' College, Perth. He taught in state schools from 1932 and married Mavis, a fellow teacher, in 1938. In 1941, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as a pilot and flying instructor and served in Australia, New Guinea and Borneo and was awarded the Air Force Cross. Chaney and his wife had four sons (including Fred, a deputy leader of the Liberal Party; Michael, a businessman; and John, a judge) and three daughters.[2][3]

Politics

Chaney was elected at the 1955 election as the Liberal member for the Australian House of Representatives seat of Perth. He was appointed Minister for the Navy in Robert Menzies' December 1963 ministry, but not sworn in until 4 March 1964, due to the need to pass legislation to enlarge the ministry. In the interim, on 10 February 1964 the Melbourne–Voyager collision took place, and Chaney was responsible for dealing with its repercussions. He was not reappointed to Harold Holt's second ministry in December 1966 and he was defeated at the 1969 election by Labor candidate, Joe Berinson.[2][3]

Chaney was the Administrator of the Northern Territory from 1970 to 1973 and was a strong advocate for Aboriginal land rights. He was Lord Mayor of Perth from 1978 to 1982. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1970 and Knight Commander of the Order (KBE) in 1981.[2][3]

Notes
  1. The West Australian, 8 January 1966, p.7
  2. Howard, John (12 February 2002). "Condolences: Adermann, Hon. Albert Evan, AO, Freeth, Hon. Sir Gordon, KBE, Chaney, Hon. Sir Frederick Charles, KBE, AFC". Hansard. Parliament of Australia. Archived from the original on 24 May 2011. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
  3. Faulkner, John (12 February 2002). "Condolences: Adermann, Hon. Albert Evan, AO, Freeth, Hon. Sir Gordon, KBE, Chaney, Hon. Sir Frederick Charles, KBE, AFC". Hansard. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
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