George Pearce (Henry George Pearce), Australian federal politician
Henry George Pearce (born 17 September 1917) was a Liberal Party member of the Australian House of Representatives for Capricornia from 1949 to 1961 and served as Government Whip in 1960.
Henry George Pearce (born 17 September 1917), commonly referred to as George Pearce, is an Australian former politician who represented the central Queensland electorate of Capricornia in the federal parliament. He was elected at the 1949 federal election and served continuously until 1961 as a member of the Liberal Party during the long post‑war Menzies era.
Image gallery
1 Image
Parliamentary career
Pearce served in the Australian House of Representatives for twelve years. His time in office spanned the 1949–1961 period, a phase of substantial economic and political development in Australia. In 1960 he was appointed Government Whip in the House of Representatives, a role that involves maintaining party discipline, organising government business in the chamber and coordinating members’ attendance and speaking lists.
Electorate and political context
Pearce represented the Division of Capricornia, a federal electorate centred on central Queensland. Historically, Capricornia has encompassed regional towns and coastal communities and its representation has reflected interests in mining, agriculture and regional development. Serving as a Liberal member during the Menzies government, Pearce took part in debates and votes that shaped Australia’s post‑war economic and social policies.
Later life and significance
In September 2017 Pearce reached the age of 100 and was reported to be the first former member of the federal parliament to attain a centenary. At that time he and fellow long‑serving MP Bill Grayden were noted as among the last surviving parliamentarians who first entered federal politics in the 1940s. Pearce’s longevity and his service during a formative period of modern Australian government have made him a figure of historical interest.
Key facts
- Full name: Henry George Pearce
- Born: 17 September 1917
- Party: Liberal Party of Australia
- House of Representatives member for Capricornia: 1949–1961
- Appointed Government Whip: 1960
Pearce’s parliamentary record is part of the broader history of mid‑20th‑century Australian politics, and his career offers a window into regional representation and party organisation during a period of sustained conservative governance. For more detailed information about the House of Representatives, the Division of Capricornia or contemporaries such as Bill Grayden, see the linked references above.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com George Pearce (Henry George Pearce), Australian federal politician Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/119634
Sources
- news.google.com : "Mr. Opperman New Shipping Minister"
- australianpolitics.com : "Who's Left: Surviving Members Of Every House Of Representatives Since 1949"