Thomas Chapman (Australian politician)
| Thomas Chapman | |
|---|---|
 |
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| 5th Premier of Tasmania | |
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In office 2 August 1861 – 20 January 1863 |
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| Preceded by | William Weston |
| Succeeded by | James Whyte |
| President of the Tasmanian Legislative Council | |
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In office 11 July 1882 – 17 February 1884 |
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| Preceded by | Frederick Innes |
| Succeeded by | Walter Gellibrand |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 31 October 1815 Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | 17 February 1884 (aged 68) New Town, Tasmania |
| Nationality |
 British |
| Spouse(s) | Katherine Swan |
Thomas Daniel Chapman (31 October 1815 – 17 February 1884) was the Premier of Tasmania from 2 August 1861 until 20 January 1863. He served as a member of the Tasmanian Parliament for 26 years from August 1856 until his death in 1884.
Chapman immigrated to Tasmania at around 1841 with his younger brother George (George returned to England after having married in Tasmania). He set up a business in Hobart and became a leading merchant during the early 1850s. He married Catherine Swan and had four daughters and five sons. Chapman was an advocate against the transportation of convicts to Van Diemens Land (Tasmania).
Chapman was first elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council in 1851. When the Tasmanian House of Assembly was created in 1856 Chapman became a minister under Tasmania's first responsible government headed by William Champ. He was made Colonial Treasurer and upon taking the position realised that the estimated budget of the state was not £330,000 but only £250,000. To fix the deficit Chapman proposed increasing taxes and reducing the wages of public servants, a proposal which reduced his popularity. After William Champ's ministry was defeated in 1857, his position as Treasurer was given to another member of parliament.
Chapman was in opposition during the Gregson, Weston and Smith ministries. Or from 1857 after Champ's resignation, until 1861.
Chapman became Premier after four years out of ministry, on 2 August 1861 he held office until 20 January 1863 a total of 18 months making him the second longest serving Premier after Francis Smith at the time. While Premier he also took up his old job of Colonial treasurer from November, 1862 until January, 1863.
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