Jim Plowman
Sidney Plowman | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 13, 1934 Melbourne, Australia |
| Died | May 3, 2007 (aged 72) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 1973–1999 |
| Known for | Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (1979–1982, 1996–1999) |
Sidney James Plowman (13 December 1934 – 3 May 2007) was an Australian political figure affiliated with the Liberal Party who served in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He held the position of Speaker on two occasions: first from 1979 to 1982, and later from 1996 until 1999.
Early life
Plowman was born in Melbourne to parents Dr Sidney Plowman and Marjorie. He received his education at Geelong Grammar School. His initial professional experience involved an executive trainee role at a civil engineering company based in Melbourne. Following his national service, he spent time working in Papua New Guinea, engaging in coffee plantation operations and timber milling. Concurrently, from 1957 to 1959, he served with the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles, which were part of Australia's Citizens Military Forces.
After returning to Australia, Plowman took on work as a jackaroo across Queensland and New South Wales before overseeing the management of "Nareen," a property in Western Victoria owned by future Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. Subsequently, he managed his family’s estate in Benalla and moved to Glenburn in 1964.
Political career
Plowman became a member of the Liberal Party through its Benalla branch in 1959. His entry into politics began as a councillor on the Yea Shire Council in 1970—the same year he wed Prudence Manifold. In 1973, he secured election to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the representative for Evelyn. At 44 years old, he earned the distinction of being the youngest individual appointed Speaker of the Assembly in 1979. After losing his legislative seat during the 1982 state election, he returned to agricultural pursuits before reclaiming Evelyn in 1985.
When the Liberal government led by Jeff Kennett assumed power in 1992, Plowman was named Minister for Energy and Minerals—a role he had previously held in opposition—and also took on responsibilities as Minister Assisting the Treasurer on State Owned Enterprises. Although he was removed from the ministry during a cabinet reshuffle in 1996, he was elected Speaker again in May that year and continued until his retirement from politics in 1999.