Al Grassby
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The Honourable Al Grassby AM |
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|---|---|
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Riverina |
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In office 25 October 1969 – 18 May 1974 |
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| Preceded by | Bill Armstrong |
| Succeeded by | John Sullivan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
12 July 1926 Brisbane, Queensland |
| Died | 23 April 2005 (aged 78) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Australian Labor Party |
| Spouse(s) | Ellnor |
| Occupation | Journalist |
Albert Jaime Grassby, AM (12 July 1926 – 23 April 2005) was an Australian politician who served as Minister for Immigration in the Labor Whitlam Government. He initiated sweeping reforms in immigration and human rights, and is often known as the father of Australian "multiculturalism".
He was born Albert Jaime Grassby in Brisbane, Queensland to parents of Spanish and Irish descent. His family lived in the United Kingdom during the 1930s and 1940s, and Albert was educated partly at schools in England. During World War II, his father was killed in a German air raid. After he turned 18, Grassby joined the British Army, serving in both infantry units and the British Intelligence Corps (1945–46).
Following the end of the war, Grassby returned to Australia, working as a journalist and information officer for the CSIRO in Griffith, New South Wales. In 1965, Grassby was elected as Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the electorate of Murrumbidgee representing the Australian Labor Party. Grassby served as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Conservation between 1968 and 1969. His high profile and popularity in the local community encouraged him to enter federal politics.
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