Special Sub-Topic: Australian Politics and Political Leaders Click Here To Play: Australian Politics and Political Leaders

Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, belonged to which political party?

Protectionist Party. Sir Edmund held the top job for two years and nine months.

Who was the first female minister in the Federal Cabinet?

Dame Enid Lyons. Dame Enid Lyons was appointed to the Cabinet in 1949.

Of which party was Sir Robert Menzies a member, when he became Prime Minister in April, 1939?

United Australia Party. In 1939, Pig-Iron Bob was a member of the United Australia Party and was Prime Minister for a little over two years. He became Prime Minister again in 1949, this time as a member of the newly formed Liberal Party, and remained Prime Minister for an incredible sixteen years.

What was the name of Bob Hawke's wife while he was Prime Minister?

Hazel. Bob was married to Hazel, before he left her for Blanche.

Who was the first Aboriginal elected to Federal Parliament?

Neville Bonner. Mr Bonner served in the Senate for twelve years, commencing 1971.

Francis Forde was caretaker Prime Minister for eight days. The departure of which Prime Minister allowed Mr Forde to enjoy his fifteen minutes of fame?

John Curtin. After John Curtin died in office, Francis Forde was caretaker PM until Joseph Chifley took over on the 13th July, 1945.

How many terms did Pauline Hanson, of the One Nation Party, serve as a Senator?

None. Pauline Hanson was only a member of the House Of Representatives, never the Senate.

Which MP was a shock choice for the Veterans' Affairs portfolio in the wake of the 2001 election?

Danna Vale. The Hon. Danna Vale joined the outer ministry after two successful terms as the Member for Hughes, in southern Sydney.

Who was the youngest person ever elected to the Australian Federal Parliament?

Edwin Corboy. Edwin Corboy (ALP) was elected to the House of Representatives in a by-election in 1918 at the age of 22. He served for nearly fourteen months, after which he was ousted at a general election.

Who was the oldest serving member of parliament?

William Hughes. William Hughes entered parliament in 1901 and died, whilst still a member of parliament, in 1952, at the ripe old age of 90. That's a grand total of 51 years, and seven months of being a federal politician.