Joseph Benedict Chifley

Joseph Benedict Chifley (1885-1951), Australian politician, prime minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949. Born in Bathurst, New South Wales, Chifley joined the government railways at the age of 17, became an engine driver, and soon became active in union affairs. Although he was dismissed during the 1917 rail strike and demoted upon reemployment, he continued with union activities, took part in more strikes, and became increasingly involved in politics. In 1928 he was elected to the federal parliament as Labor party member for Macquarie, and was appointed minister for defense and assistant to the treasurer.

Chifley was not reelected in 1931 and subsequently served on a Royal Commission on banking. In 1940 he returned to parliament, becoming treasurer and minister of postwar reconstruction in the Labor government led by John Curtin. He took over as prime minister in 1945. During his time in office his achievements included setting up the Joint Coal Board, the Snowy Mountains Scheme (a hydroelectric authority), and Trans-Australia Airways, and nationalizing the Qantas airline.