Lionel Bowen
Lionel Bowen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 December 1922 Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | 1 April 2012 (aged 89) Kensington, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, solicitor |
| Years active | 1948–1990 |
| Known for | Deputy Prime Minister of Australia (1983–1990) |
Lionel Frost Bowen (28 December 1922 – 1 April 2012) was a prominent Australian political figure who held the position of deputy leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) from 1977 until 1990. He also served as the sixth deputy prime minister of Australia during the Hawke government between 1983 and 1990.
Originating from a working-class family in Sydney, Bowen enlisted in the Australian Army throughout World War II and subsequently pursued legal studies at the University of Sydney. His political career began locally when he was elected mayor of Randwick in 1948. He then represented Randwick in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly between 1962 and 1969 before transitioning to federal politics as the member for Kingsford Smith in the House of Representatives starting in 1969.
During the Whitlam government, Bowen managed significant portfolios such as Postmaster-General (1972–1974), Special Minister of State (1973–1975), and Minister for Manufacturing Industry (1975). He was elected deputy leader under Bill Hayden in 1977 and maintained this role when Bob Hawke assumed leadership in 1983. After Labor’s win in the 1983 election, Bowen was named deputy prime minister, concurrently holding the posts of Minister for Trade (1983–1984) and Attorney-General (1984–1990). Bowen exited political life in 1990 and later served as chairman of the National Gallery of Australia.
Early life
Born in the Sydney suburb of Ultimo, Bowen experienced early family hardship when his father left at age ten. His mother worked as a cleaner while caring for relatives to support their household. His education included Cleveland Street public school, Marcellin College Randwick, and ultimately graduation with an LLB from Sydney University in 1946, after which he qualified as a solicitor. Bowen enlisted with the Second Australian Imperial Force from 1941 to 1945, achieving the rank of corporal.
Political career
Bowen’s initial political involvement was at the local level, being elected to Randwick Council and serving as Mayor in 1948. He represented the electoral district of Randwick in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly between 1962 and 1969 before winning federal election to represent Kingsford Smith in Parliament starting in 1969. Between 1972 and 1975, he held several ministerial positions within the Second Whitlam Ministry, including Minister for Manufacturing Industry, Special Minister of State, and Postmaster-General.
Known for his preference to work behind the scenes, Bowen played a key role in securing National Party backing for needs-based funding toward non-government schools while acting as education minister. After Labor’s defeat in 1977 and Whitlam’s resignation, Bowen sought party leadership but ultimately became Deputy Leader under Bill Hayden. He continued as deputy leader when Bob Hawke took over leadership in 1983.
Upon Hawke’s election victory that year, Bowen was appointed both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade. Later that same year, he assumed the role of Vice-President of the Executive Council before taking on Attorney-General responsibilities in Hawke’s second ministry, relinquishing his trade portfolio.
In 1988, Bowen championed four constitutional referendum proposals aimed at reform; however, all were unsuccessful. He stepped down prior to the 1990 election and was succeeded as Deputy Prime Minister by Paul Keating.
Post-political career
From 1990 until 1995, Bowen held the position of Chairman at the National Gallery of Australia and maintained a keen enthusiasm for horseracing. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal in 1990. The following year, he was honored with the title of Companion of the Order of Australia for his dedicated service to both the community and political sphere. Additionally, Bowen received a Centenary Medal in 2001.
Personal life
In 1953, Bowen wed Claire, and together they raised three daughters and five sons. He resided in Kensington, New South Wales, for an extensive period of 73 years. One of his sons, Tony, held the office of mayor for the City of Randwick. After enduring a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Bowen passed away due to pneumonia on 1 April 2012. His life was commemorated with a state funeral held on 11 April 2012.
Legacy
The Lionel Bowen Building on Goulburn Street in Sydney accommodates both the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Magistrates Court. In tribute to his legacy, the principal library in the City of Randwick bears his name as the Lionel Bowen Library. Furthermore, Lionel Bowen Park is situated in Mascot.