Ken Anderson (politician)
Kenneth Anderson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Aboard ship near South Australia |
| Died | March 29, 1985 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman, military officer |
| Years active | 1950–1975 (politics) |
| Known for | Senator for New South Wales, Minister for Customs & Excise, Minister for Supply, Minister for Health |
Sir Kenneth McColl Anderson (11 October 1909 – 29 March 1985) was an Australian figure known for his contributions in politics, military service, and business. Representing the Liberal Party, he held a seat as a Senator for New South Wales from 1953 until 1975. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Anderson occupied prominent ministerial positions within the Coalition administrations, including serving as the Leader of the Government in the Senate between 1968 and 1972.
Early life and career
Born aboard a ship near South Australia on 11 October 1909, Anderson was the fifth child among six siblings to Florence May (née McWhirter) and David More Anderson, a Scottish immigrant who worked as an auctioneer and building contractor before entering the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in 1920.
His education took place at Ryde Public School followed by Petersham Intermediate Schools in Sydney. Anderson's early professional experience included roles as an insurance clerk, auctioneer, estate agent, and property valuer based in Eastwood. In June 1936, he married Madge Merrion. During World War II, he attained the rank of lieutenant in the 8th Signals Division stationed in Malaya, enduring three years as a Japanese prisoner of war at Changi Prison and on the Burma Railway. After the war, he served as Mayor of Ryde Municipal Council from 1949 to 1950.
Political career
Winning election as the representative for Ryde in 1950 under the Liberal Party, Anderson lost this seat three years later in 1953.
From that year until the dissolution of parliament prior to the 1975 election, he was a Senator representing New South Wales. Throughout his tenure, he held significant ministerial appointments: as Minister for Customs & Excise from 1964 to 1968; as Minister for Supply between 1968 and 1971; and finally as Minister for Health during the McMahon administration from 1971 to 1972.
In recognition of his services, Anderson was knighted as a Knight Bachelor in 1970 and later received appointment as Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1972.
Personal life
Anderson's marriage to Madge Merrion in 1936 saw her managing his business affairs during his military deployment. Upon retiring, he resided in Eastwood, New South Wales, while also owning a holiday home at Bilgola Beach. In his later years, Anderson was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease and passed away at a nursing facility in Lane Cove on 29 March 1985 at age seventy-five.