James Strachan (Australian politician)

James Ford Strachan
Born	1810 Montrose, Scotland
Died	1875-04-14 Geelong, Victoria, Australia
Occupation(s)	Merchant, pastoralist, politician
Years active	1832–1874
Known for	Member of the Victorian Legislative Council; advocate for the separation of Victoria from New South Wales

James Ford Strachan (1810 – 14 April 1875) was a prominent merchant, pastoralist, and political figure in colonial Victoria, Australia, who served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Council.

Originating from Montrose, Scotland, Strachan was the fifth son born to John Strachan and Isobel, née Smith. In 1832, he emigrated to Van Diemen's Land accompanied by his widowed mother and sisters. As an early pioneer in the Port Phillip District—which later became Victoria—he established himself as a leading merchant in Melbourne and was responsible for constructing the city's inaugural brick commercial building.

Strachan was a vigorous advocate for the separation of Victoria from New South Wales. Upon Victoria's formation in 1851, he secured election to the partly elected Victorian Legislative Council representing Geelong. With the introduction of responsible government in 1855, he successfully contested a seat for the South-Western Province in the fully elected Legislative Council in 1856. He held a ministerial position without portfolio in the second ministry led by William Haines from April 1857 until March 1858.

During constitutional disputes concerning tariff policies and the contentious £20,000 payment to the dismissed governor’s spouse—known as "the Darling tack"—Strachan was instrumental in backing the Legislative Council. After resigning from his South-Western Province seat, he won election to represent Western Province in August 1866, defeating Henry Miller who had accepted a ministerial role under Premier James McCulloch. Strachan maintained this position until September 1874.

He passed away in Geelong, Victoria on 14 April 1875 at the age of 65. He was married to Lilias Cross née Murray, daughter of Hugh Murray, a fellow Scottish immigrant and merchant.