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{{Short description|Australian politician}} {{Short description|Australian politician (1923–2008)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2021}} {{Use Australian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = ] | honorific-prefix = ]
| name = Lindsay Thompson | name = Lindsay Thompson
| honorific-suffix = ], ] | honorific-suffix = ], ]
| nationality = ]n | nationality = ]n
| order = 40th ]<br /><small>Elections: ]</small> | order = 40th ]
| term_start = 5 June 1981 | term_start = 5 June 1981
| term_end = 8 April 1982 | term_end = 8 April 1982
| predecessor = ] | predecessor = ]
| successor = ] | successor = ]
| deputy = ] | monarch = ]
| deputy = ]
| cabinet = ] | cabinet = ]
| office2 = 19th ] | office2 = 19th ]
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| predecessor2 = ] | predecessor2 = ]
| successor2 = ] | successor2 = ]
| image = | image = Lindsay Thompson with Japanese MP (cropped).jpg
| caption = Thompson in 1972
| constituency_MP3 = ] | constituency_MP3 = ]
| assembly3 = Victorian Legislative | assembly3 = Victorian Legislative
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| alma_mater = ] | alma_mater = ]
| signature = Lindsay Thompson Signature.png | signature = Lindsay Thompson Signature.png
| footnotes = | footnotes = <!-- Military service -->
<!-- Military service -->
| allegiance = ] | allegiance = ]
| branch = ] | branch = ]
| serviceyears = 1942–1945 | serviceyears = 1942–1945
| rank = ] | rank = ]
| unit = | unit =
}} }}
{{Lindsay Thompson sidebar}} {{Lindsay Thompson sidebar}}
'''Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson''' ], ] (15 October 1923 – 16 July 2008) was an Australian ] politician who served the 40th ] from June 1981 to April 1982. He was previously the ] between 1972 and 1981. '''Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson''' ], ] (15 October 1923 – 16 July 2008) was an Australian politician and army officer who served as the 40th ] from 1981 to 1982. He previously served as the 19th ] from 1972 to 1981.
Thompson was the longest-serving member in Victorian parliamentary history, serving a total of 27 years in the Legislative Council (1955–1970) and the Legislative Assembly (1970–1982).<ref>ABC News (2008). . Retrieved 17 July 2008.</ref> He had held the housing, education, police and treasury portfolios throughout his parliamentary career, and was notable for his actions in the ] as education minister. Thompson was the longest-serving member in Victorian parliamentary history, serving a total of 27 years in the Legislative Council from 195 to 1970 and the Legislative Assembly from 1970 to 1982.<ref>ABC News (2008). . Retrieved 17 July 2008.</ref> He had held the housing, education, police and treasury portfolios throughout his parliamentary career, and was notable for his actions in the ] as education minister.


==Early life== ==Early life==
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He won a scholarship to ] and eventually graduated as both school captain and the school dux. The school's new gymnasium was opened as the ''Lindsay Thompson Centre'' in 1997.<ref>Caulfield Grammar School (2008). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719082338/http://www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au/default.asp?contentID=115 |date=19 July 2008 }}. Retrieved 17 July 2008.</ref> He won a scholarship to ] and eventually graduated as both school captain and the school dux. The school's new gymnasium was opened as the ''Lindsay Thompson Centre'' in 1997.<ref>Caulfield Grammar School (2008). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719082338/http://www.caulfieldgs.vic.edu.au/default.asp?contentID=115 |date=19 July 2008 }}. Retrieved 17 July 2008.</ref>


After service as a ] in the ] during ],<ref>, WW2 Nominal Roll.</ref> he graduated from the ] with degrees in arts (honours) and education. He became a school teacher, teaching at Malvern Central Primary School and later at ]. After service as a ] in the ] during ],<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331040538/http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.aspx?serviceId=A&veteranId=512646 |date=31 March 2018 }}, WW2 Nominal Roll.</ref> he graduated from the ] with degrees in arts (honours) and education. He became a school teacher, teaching at Malvern Central Primary School and later at ].


==Political career== ==Political career==
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===Premier of Victoria=== ===Premier of Victoria===
During the premiership of ], Thompson was named Deputy Premier. At various times, he served as Chief Secretary, then Treasurer and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. On 5 June 1981, Hamer resigned under pressure from the conservative faction of his own party, and Thompson won a Liberal Party ballot to succeed him as Premier. The Liberals had been in power for 27 years and the new ] leader, ], was mounting a strong challenge to a government that was increasingly seen as tired and complacent. During the premiership of ], Thompson was named Deputy Premier. At various times, he served as Chief Secretary, then Treasurer and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. On 5 June 1981, Hamer resigned under pressure from the conservative faction of his own party, and Thompson won a Liberal Party ballot to succeed him as Premier. The Liberals had been in power for 27 years and the new ] leader, ], was mounting a strong challenge to a government that was increasingly seen as tired and complacent. A year earlier, at the ], the Liberals had lost seven seats in Victoria, over half of a nationwide 12-seat swing that nearly won government for federal Labor.


Knowing that he faced a statutory general election within less than a year, Thompson waited as long as he could, finally calling an election for ]. At that election, the Liberals were heavily defeated, suffering a 17-seat swing, the worst that a sitting non-Labor government has ever suffered in Victoria. Knowing that he faced a statutory general election within less than a year, Thompson waited as long as he could, finally calling an election for ]. At that election, the Liberals were heavily defeated, suffering a 17-seat swing, the worst that a sitting non-Labor government has ever suffered in Victoria.
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Thompson was made a Companion of the ] on 14 June 1975 for serving as a minister.<ref>Australian Honours (2006). . Retrieved 12 June 2006.</ref> He was made an Officer of the ] on ] in 1990 "for service to government and politics and to the Victorian Parliament"<ref>Australian Honours (2006). . Retrieved 12 June 2006.</ref> and also received a ] in 2001. Thompson was made a Companion of the ] on 14 June 1975 for serving as a minister.<ref>Australian Honours (2006). . Retrieved 12 June 2006.</ref> He was made an Officer of the ] on ] in 1990 "for service to government and politics and to the Victorian Parliament"<ref>Australian Honours (2006). . Retrieved 12 June 2006.</ref> and also received a ] in 2001.


Thompson received a Bronze Medal for Bravery from the Royal Humane Society for his actions in the Farraday kidnappings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lindsay Thompson - Alumni Profiles |url=https://www.caulfieldgrammarians.com.au/alumni-profiles/lindsay-thompson/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Caulfield Grammarians’ Association |language=en-AU}}</ref>
⚫ Throughout life, Thompson was an ardent fan of the ], and he frequently traveled to ] to watch his beloved Tigers play.

⚫ Throughout life, Thompson was an ardent fan of the ], and he frequently travelled to ] to watch his beloved Tigers play.


He was a Number One ticket holder of the club and was awarded life membership in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/club%20life%20members/tabid/7685/default.aspx |title=Club Life Members - Official AFL Website of the Richmond Football Club |access-date=2010-12-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221140731/http://www.richmondfc.com.au/club%20life%20members/tabid/7685/default.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2011 }}</ref> Thompson had a long association with the Melbourne Cricket Ground and was a member of the MCG trust for 32 years from 1967 to 1999, taking on the role of chairman between 1987 and 1998. Thompson laid the first stone to mark the construction of the Great Southern Stand at the ground. He was a Number One ticket holder of the club and was awarded life membership in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondfc.com.au/club%20life%20members/tabid/7685/default.aspx |title=Club Life Members - Official AFL Website of the Richmond Football Club |access-date=2010-12-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221140731/http://www.richmondfc.com.au/club%20life%20members/tabid/7685/default.aspx |archive-date=21 February 2011 }}</ref> Thompson had a long association with the Melbourne Cricket Ground and was a member of the MCG trust for 32 years from 1967 to 1999, taking on the role of chairman between 1987 and 1998. Thompson laid the first stone to mark the construction of the Great Southern Stand at the ground.
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==Legacy== ==Legacy==
Many people {{By whom|date=December 2020}} have commented on what an amazing, kind, but humble man he was.


At the funeral, among other kind words, former Prime Minister ] said, "I can honestly say I never heard anyone say a nasty thing about Lindsay Thompson, and I can tell you that has to be a first in Australian politics."<ref></ref> At the funeral, among other kind words, former Prime Minister ] said, "I can honestly say I never heard anyone say a nasty thing about Lindsay Thompson, and I can tell you that has to be a first in Australian politics."<ref>{{cite web |title=news.com.au — Australia's leading news site |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731233114/https://www.news.com.au:80/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24073889-2862,00.html |archive-date=2008-07-31 |url-status=live |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24073889-2862,00.html}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==
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Latest revision as of 00:01, 13 January 2025

Australian politician (1923–2008)

The HonourableLindsay ThompsonAO, CMG
Thompson in 1972
40th Premier of Victoria
In office
5 June 1981 – 8 April 1982
MonarchElizabeth II
DeputyBill Borthwick
Preceded byRupert Hamer
Succeeded byJohn Cain Jr.
19th Deputy Premier of Victoria
In office
23 August 1972 – 5 June 1981
PremierRupert Hamer
Preceded byRupert Hamer
Succeeded byBill Borthwick
Member of Parliament
for Malvern
In office
30 May 1970 – 4 December 1982
Preceded byJohn Bloomfield
Succeeded byGeoff Leigh
Personal details
BornLindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson
(1923-10-15)15 October 1923
Warburton, Victoria, Australia
Died16 July 2008(2008-07-16) (aged 84)
Malvern, Victoria, Australia
Political partyLiberal Party
SpouseJoan Margaret Poynder
ChildrenMurray Thompson
Alma materUniversity of Melbourne
CabinetThompson Ministry
Signature
Military service
AllegianceAustralia
Branch/serviceAustralian Army
Years of service1942–1945
RankSignalman
This article is part of
a series about
Lindsay Thompson

Member of the Legislative Assembly for Malvern (1970–1982)

Premier of Victoria

Victoria State Government

Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Thompson AO, CMG (15 October 1923 – 16 July 2008) was an Australian politician and army officer who served as the 40th premier of Victoria from 1981 to 1982. He previously served as the 19th deputy premier of Victoria from 1972 to 1981.

Thompson was the longest-serving member in Victorian parliamentary history, serving a total of 27 years in the Legislative Council from 195 to 1970 and the Legislative Assembly from 1970 to 1982. He had held the housing, education, police and treasury portfolios throughout his parliamentary career, and was notable for his actions in the Faraday School kidnapping as education minister.

Early life

Thompson was born in Warburton, a town north-east of Melbourne. His parents were both schoolteachers. His father died when he was two and so he was raised by his mother in difficult circumstances.

He won a scholarship to Caulfield Grammar School and eventually graduated as both school captain and the school dux. The school's new gymnasium was opened as the Lindsay Thompson Centre in 1997.

After service as a signalman in the Australian Army during World War II, he graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in arts (honours) and education. He became a school teacher, teaching at Malvern Central Primary School and later at Melbourne High School.

Political career

In 1955, he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in the Monash and Higginbotham Provinces as a Liberal, where he served until 1970, when he transferred to the Legislative Assembly as MP for Malvern.

In 1958, Thompson was appointed Assistant Chief Secretary in the government of Henry Bolte. He would serve as a minister without interruption until 1982, making him the longest-serving minister in Victoria's history. Of all the federal and state ministers in Australian history, only the South Australian Sir Thomas Playford IV, who served in cabinet without interruption from 1938 to 1965, and Queensland's Joh Bjelke-Petersen, in cabinet without interruption from 1963 to 1987, held ministerial office continuously for longer than Thompson.

Thompson then served as Minister for Housing from 1961 to 1967, when many of Melbourne's controversial public housing towers were built. In 1967, he was appointed Minister for Education and held the post until 1979, a record time. He presided over the major expansion of state education in Victoria.

Faraday hero

In 1972, a teacher and six school children were kidnapped at a school in the country town of Faraday by a man demanding a $1 million ransom. Thompson, as education minister, went to the prearranged site in Woodend and was ready to deliver the ransom personally, but the teacher and children had escaped from the van in which they were locked before that was necessary.

Thompson received a bravery award for his actions during the kidnapping.

Premier of Victoria

During the premiership of Rupert Hamer, Thompson was named Deputy Premier. At various times, he served as Chief Secretary, then Treasurer and Minister for Police and Emergency Services. On 5 June 1981, Hamer resigned under pressure from the conservative faction of his own party, and Thompson won a Liberal Party ballot to succeed him as Premier. The Liberals had been in power for 27 years and the new Labor leader, John Cain, was mounting a strong challenge to a government that was increasingly seen as tired and complacent. A year earlier, at the 1980 federal election, the Liberals had lost seven seats in Victoria, over half of a nationwide 12-seat swing that nearly won government for federal Labor.

Knowing that he faced a statutory general election within less than a year, Thompson waited as long as he could, finally calling an election for April 1982. At that election, the Liberals were heavily defeated, suffering a 17-seat swing, the worst that a sitting non-Labor government has ever suffered in Victoria.

Thompson resigned as Liberal leader and from Parliament on 5 November.

Thompson supported keeping the monarchy of Australia.

Awards

Thompson was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George on 14 June 1975 for serving as a minister. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia on Australia Day in 1990 "for service to government and politics and to the Victorian Parliament" and also received a Centenary Medal in 2001.

Thompson received a Bronze Medal for Bravery from the Royal Humane Society for his actions in the Farraday kidnappings.

Throughout life, Thompson was an ardent fan of the Richmond Football Club, and he frequently travelled to Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch his beloved Tigers play.

He was a Number One ticket holder of the club and was awarded life membership in 1993. Thompson had a long association with the Melbourne Cricket Ground and was a member of the MCG trust for 32 years from 1967 to 1999, taking on the role of chairman between 1987 and 1998. Thompson laid the first stone to mark the construction of the Great Southern Stand at the ground.

Personal life

In 1950, Thompson married Joan Poynder, and they had three children; Murray, David and Heather. Thompson's son Murray was a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1992 until 2018.

Legacy

At the funeral, among other kind words, former Prime Minister John Howard said, "I can honestly say I never heard anyone say a nasty thing about Lindsay Thompson, and I can tell you that has to be a first in Australian politics."

See also

References

  1. ABC News (2008). Former Victorian premier Thompson dies. Retrieved 17 July 2008.
  2. Caulfield Grammar School (2008). Caulfield Archived 19 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 17 July 2008.
  3. Thompson, Lindsay Hamilton Simpson Archived 31 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine, WW2 Nominal Roll.
  4. "Australians for Constitutional Monarchy".
  5. Australian Honours (2006). THOMPSON, Lindsay Hamilton Simpson CMG. Retrieved 12 June 2006.
  6. Australian Honours (2006). THOMPSON, Lindsay Hamilton Simpson AO. Retrieved 12 June 2006.
  7. "Lindsay Thompson - Alumni Profiles". Caulfield Grammarians’ Association. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
  8. "Club Life Members - Official AFL Website of the Richmond Football Club". Archived from the original on 21 February 2011. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  9. "news.com.au — Australia's leading news site". News.com.au. Archived from the original on 31 July 2008.

Further reading

  • Westerman, William (2020). Lindsay Thompson: Character, Competence and Conviction. Australian Biographical Monographs. Vol. 4. Redland Bay, Qld: Connor Court Publishing. ISBN 9781922449139.

External links

Victorian Legislative Council
Preceded bySir Arthur Warner Member for Higinbotham Province
1955–1967 		Succeeded byBaron Snider
Preceded byThomas William Brennan Member for Monash Province
1967–1970 		Succeeded byCharles Gawith
Victorian Legislative Assembly
Preceded bySir John Bloomfield Member for Malvern
1970–1982 		Succeeded byGeoff Leigh
Political offices
Preceded byRupert Hamer Premier of Victoria
1981–1982 		Succeeded byJohn Cain
Preceded byJohn Cain Leader of the Opposition (Victoria)
1982 		Succeeded byJeff Kennett
Party political offices
Preceded byRupert Hamer Leader of the Liberal Party in Victoria
1981–1982 		Succeeded byJeff Kennett
Premiers of Victoria
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