16 Facts About Arthur Macalister

Arthur Macalister, was three times Premier of Queensland, Australia.

Arthur Macalister was educated in Glasgow and emigrated to Australia with his wife Elizabeth Wallace nee Tassie.

Arthur Macalister was appointed to the positions of clerk of Petty Sessions and postmaster at Scone, New South Wales in June 1840.

Arthur Macalister then settled in the Moreton Bay district, then part of New South Wales.

Arthur Macalister took part in the movement for separation, and was elected a representative for Ipswich in the New South Wales parliament on 14 June 1859.

In 1859, the colony of Queensland was separated from New South Wales and Arthur Macalister was elected to the first parliament as member for his old district and was made chairman of committees.

Herbert had to leave for England almost at once, a reconstruction of the ministry was made, and Arthur Macalister again became Premier on 7 August 1866.

Arthur Macalister resigned a year later and was again elected Chairman of Committees.

When Charles Lilley became Premier in November 1868, Arthur Macalister took office as Secretary for Public Lands and Works, and for the goldfields.

Arthur Macalister lost his seat after a hectic campaign in June 1871 but was re-elected for Ipswich in 1872 in a by-election.

Arthur Macalister formed his third ministry in January 1874 and resigned in June 1876 to become Agent-General for Queensland in London.

Arthur Macalister was created Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1876.

Arthur Macalister died near Glasgow on 23 March 1883 at the age of 65.

Arthur Macalister was survived by his wife, who died 14 September 1894.

Arthur Macalister married Elizabeth Wallace Tassie in Edinburgh, Scotland with whom he had 9 children.

The electoral district of Arthur Macalister created in the 2017 Queensland state electoral redistribution was named after him.