10 Facts About George McLeay

George McLeay was an Australian politician and senior minister in the Menzies Liberal government.

At twenty George McLeay joined the Liberal Union and in 1922 ran unsuccessfully for election for the seat of Adelaide in the House of Representatives.

George McLeay was leader of the government in the Senate from November 1938 to October 1941 and Vice-President of the Executive Council from November 1938 to March 1940 and from October 1940 to October 1941.

George McLeay was Minister for Commerce from April 1939 to March 1940 in the first Menzies Ministry and Minister for Trade and Customs from March to October 1940 in the second Menzies Ministry.

George McLeay was Postmaster-General in the third Menzies Ministry from October 1940 until the fall of the government in August 1941 and Minister for Repatriation until June 1941 and Minister for Supply and Development from June to October 1941.

George McLeay was leader of the opposition in the Senate from 1941 until the end of his Senate term in June 1947.

George McLeay was defeated in the 1946 elections, but re-elected to the Senate in 1949 elections.

George McLeay energetically negotiated with shipowners and trade unions to improve the performance of the ports.

George McLeay suffered from diabetes mellitus and was affected by excessive travel.

George McLeay died from ischaemic heart disease at Calvary Hospital, North Adelaide, survived by his wife, son and daughter.