Angus Bethune (politician)
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The Honourable Sir Angus Bethune |
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|---|---|
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| 33rd Premier of Tasmania | |
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In office 26 May 1969 – 3 May 1972 |
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| Deputy | Kevin Lyons |
| Preceded by | Eric Reece |
| Succeeded by | Eric Reece |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
10 September 1908 Sheffield, Tasmania, Australia |
| Died | 22 August 2004 (aged 95) Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Liberal Party of Australia |
| Spouse(s) | Alexandra Pritchard (m. 1938) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 Australia
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Australian Air Force
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| Years of service | 1940–1948 |
| Rank | Warrant Officer |
Sir Walter Angus Bethune (10 September 1908 – 22 August 2004) was an Australian politician and member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly. He was Premier of Tasmania from 26 May 1969 to 3 May 1972.
Bethune was born in Sheffield in north-western Tasmania, and was educated at Launceston Grammar School and The Hutchins School in Hobart. Before entering politics, Bethune worked as a jackaroo. On 15 August 1940, during World War II, he enlisted as an airman and Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.
Bethune was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly at the 1946 general election on 23 November 1946, representing the seat of Wilmot (now Lyons) for the newly formed Liberal Party of Australia. On 19 March 1960, Bethune became Leader of the Opposition when the leader of the Liberal Party, Tim Jackson resigned in protest at party disunity and a lack of support for his leadership.
On 7 September 1966, Kevin Lyons (the son of former Premier and Prime Minister Joseph Lyons) resigned from the state Liberal Party after a dispute over preselection, and on 15 October formed the Centre Party. In 1969, Lyons held the balance of power, and offered his support to Bethune to form government with himself as Deputy Premier. Bethune accepted. This forced Labor Premier Eric Reece to resign on 26 May, making Bethune the first non-Labor Premier of Tasmania in 35 years, and the first Liberal to hold the post. He also served as his own Treasurer.
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