McMahon, William

Hard of hearing all his life. Born at Sydney; educated at Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney, graduating in law. Worked for a law firm before joining the Australian army in 1940. His hearing impairment barred him from combat and he spent his military time in staff work instead. Postwar, earned a master's in economics, then was elected to the Australian House of Representatives for a seat representing Sydney. Capable and ambitious, he quickly rose through the political ranks, serving as minister for the navy 1951-1972 and treasurer and deputy leader of the Liberal Party 1966. Great unpopularity among members of the opposition party prevented him from becoming Prime Minister in 1966, but he became foreign minister instead. In 1971 he tried again and was elected Prime Minister, but served less than 2 years during a very difficult period for his embattered government and lost the 1972 elections. Despite this, he was knighted in 1977. He remained in the Parliament as a "backbencher" until retiring in 1982 as the longest-serving member of the Australian House. Died of cancer at Sydney.