Arthur Fadden

Arthur Fadden was Prime Minister from 29 August to 7 October 1941. As well as his ‘40 days and 40 nights’ in office, he was acting Prime Minister for periods totalling nearly two years during his coalition governments with Prime Minister Robert Menzies.

A Queenslander, Fadden was a member of the House of Representatives for 22 years, from 1936 to 1958, and leader of the Country Party for 17 years, from 1941 to 1958. As Treasurer in 1940–41 and from 1949 to 1958, he presented a record 11 budgets, including a ‘horror budget’ in 1951.

Described as amiable and a great conversationalist and story-teller, Fadden enjoyed good working relationships with his colleagues and staff throughout his long parliamentary career. He retired from parliament in 1958, and died on 21 April 1973.