Albert Lind
Sir Albert Eli Lind | |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 February 1878 East Charlton, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 26 June 1964 (aged 86) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Deputy Premier of Victoria, Minister of Forests, Minister of Public Instruction, President of the Board of Land and Works, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey |
Sir Albert Eli Lind (21 February 1878 – 26 June 1964) was a notable figure in Australian politics.
Early life
Born in East Charlton, Victoria, in 1878, Lind was the son of Oliver Nicholas Lind, a farmer of Danish origin, and Mary Ann Clay, who hailed from Wales. Due to a severe drought in 1882, his family relocated to East Gippsland. There, Lind received his education at Lucknow and subsequently at Bairnsdale state school. By the age of twelve, he had begun an apprenticeship in building and gained experience across several trades. Following his marriage in 1904, Lind and his brother Ernie acquired a 640-acre estate at Mount Taylor where they developed a dairy farming operation.
Political career
Lind’s entry into politics started with his service as a councillor for the Shire of Bairnsdale between 1914 and 1925. In October 1920, he secured election to the Victorian Legislative Assembly representing Gippsland East under the banner of the Victorian Farmers' Union (VFU).
On 2 April 1935, Lind joined Albert Dunstan’s ministry, taking on multiple roles: Minister of Forests, Minister of Public Instruction, President of the Board of Land and Works, as well as Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey.
Unexpectedly, on 13 October 1937, he was chosen deputy leader of the United Country Party and consequently became Deputy Premier of Victoria.
When John McDonald’s government commenced in 1950, Lind returned to his previous responsibilities overseeing lands and forests and additionally assumed the soldier settlement portfolio.
In recognition of his extensive tenure within the Victorian Legislative Assembly, Lind was honoured with a knighthood during the 1951 King's Birthday awards.
Family
On 31 August 1904, Lind wed Flora Catherine Arthur in Bairnsdale. The couple had nine children: four sons and five daughters.
Lind was also related to Alan Lind, his nephew, who represented the Labor Party as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Mildura from 1952 to 1955 and for Dandenong between 1969 and 1979.