Cecil Monro
Cecil Monro | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | May 1, 1966 (aged 83) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, real estate agent, hotelier, auctioneer |
| Years active | 1932–1941, 1950–1953 |
| Known for | Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly |
Cecil Owen James Monro (8 April 1883 – 1 May 1966) was an Australian political figure who served in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly during two periods: from 1932 to 1941 and again from 1950 to 1953. He initially represented the United Australia Party before affiliating with the Liberal Party.
Monro was born in North Sydney, New South Wales as the son of a timber merchant. His education took place at The Scots College. Starting his career as a clerk, he later became proprietor of a real estate agency, as well as owning hotels and an auctioneering firm. He was deeply involved in local community groups in Cronulla, such as Rotary and the Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club.
Following two unsuccessful bids, Monro won election for the United Australia Party in the seat of Georges River during the 1932 electoral landslide that ended the administration of Jack Lang. He maintained this seat until he was defeated in 1941 by Labor’s Arthur Williams, a loss that played a role in the downfall of the conservative government led by Bertram Stevens. Monro made a return to the legislature as the Liberal representative for the newly created seat of Sutherland in 1950, where he notably overcame Labor contender Gough Whitlam, who would later serve as Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975. After losing his seat in 1953, Monro retired from political life without ever holding ministerial or party leadership positions.