Joseph Lyons

This landmark book re-establishes Lyons as one of Australia's most capable and popular leaders and reminds us of why he was the first Australian prime minister to win and survive three consecutive elections. A Tasmanian Labour premier in the 1920s, Lyons entered federal politics in 1929 to become a significant figure in the Scullin Labor Cabinet. When Labour split in 1931, Lyons left the party to join the Nationalists and subsequently form the United Australia Party. He was the first Australian political leader to use radio, press photography and newsreels to connect with voters. Joe Lyons led Australia through the financial crisis of the 1930s up to the eve of World War II. He died in office on 7 April 1939.