10 Facts About Henry Dobson

Henry Dobson was an Australian politician, who served as a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly and later of the Australian Senate.

Henry Dobson was the 17th Premier of Tasmania from 17 August 1892 to 14 April 1894.

Henry Dobson was quickly made Leader of the Opposition the next month, and became Premier of Tasmania on 17 August 1892 after the fall of Philip Fysh's government.

Henry Dobson had a keen interest in education, and introduced compulsory education legislation into the Tasmanian parliament.

Henry Dobson promoted Tasmania as a tourist destination and fruit-growing centre, attributes which it remains known for today.

Economic factors required him to make difficult decisions, and when a proposed retrenchment program was rejected in the Parliament, Henry Dobson obtained a dissolution from the Governor, and then resigned as Premier on 14 April 1894 when the situation remained unchanged after the election.

Henry Dobson was a keen supporter of the Federation of Australia, and when federation took place in 1901, Henry Dobson was elected as a member of the first Australian Senate for Tasmania.

Henry Dobson remained in the Senate for over nine years, but retired when he lost the election on 30 June 1910.

Henry Dobson served as Chairman of Committees from 1908 to 1910.

Henry Dobson founded and was president of the Tasmanian Tourist Association from 1893, helped found the Tourist and Information Bureau and the Scenery Preservation Board in 1915, and was chairman of the National Park Board from 1917 to 1918.