14 Facts About Alister McMullin

Sir Alister Maxwell McMullin, was an Australian politician who served as a Senator for New South Wales from 1951 to 1971, representing the Liberal Party.

Alister McMullin was President of the Senate for a record term of almost 18 years, from 1953 to 1971.

Alister McMullin was born on his father's grazing property Bingeberry in Rouchel, New South Wales, near the town of Aberdeen.

Alister McMullin enlisted in the Australian Army in July 1940, transferring to the Royal Australian Air Force in January 1941.

Alister McMullin finished the war with the rank of flight lieutenant and briefly commanded No 42 Squadron RAAF.

Alister McMullin was demobilised on 22 February 1946 and married Thelma Louise Smith on 23 November.

Alister McMullin twice attempted to enter the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, standing as a Nationalist candidate at the 1931 Upper Hunter by-election and as one of three Country candidates at the 1941 Liverpool Plains election, but was unsuccessful.

Alister McMullin is thus the longest serving President of the Senate in Australian history.

Alister McMullin was closely associated with the planning and development of the National Library of Australia as Chairman of the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographical Services, Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Council of the National Library of Australia.

Alister McMullin was involved in the preparation of plans for the new Parliament House in Canberra as Chairman of a special Parliamentary Joint Select Committee.

Alister McMullin represented the Australian Government at numerous international events, including the funeral of John F Kennedy.

Whilst serving as President of the Senate, Alister McMullin was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1957.

Outside politics Alister McMullin was Chancellor of the University of Newcastle from 1966 until 1977.

Alister McMullin died at the Scone District Nursing Home in 1984.