Sir Henry Bolte KCMG (1908-90) was Victorian's longest serving Premier from 1955 until his retirement in 1972. Bolte, who had a reputation for acerbic one-liners, successfully exploited his image as a man of the people. While he was responsible for key social reforms such as increased rights for Aborigines, extension of trading hours for shops and pubs, and the compulsory wearing of seatbelts, Bolte's real passion was for economic progress. He led many delegations overseas to promote Victoria and to seek investment for its development. However he deeply divided the community with his refusal in 1967 to commute the death sentence for Ronald Ryan, who was the last person to be hanged in Australia. Bolte died of lung cancer, smoking to the end and joking that his last smoke would be in the crematorium.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2004
© Estates of Les Tanner and Gus McLaren
Accession number: 2004.175
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Les Tanner (age 42 in 1969)
Gus McLaren (age 46 in 1969)
Sir Henry Bolte KCMG (age 61 in 1969)
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