Menzies Suite

Robert Gordon Menzies was Australia’s 12th and longest-serving Prime Minister. He held the office twice, from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966. Altogether he was Prime Minister for over 18 years – still the record term for an Australian prime minister.

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Born into humble circumstances, Menzies obtained a first-class secondary and university education by winning a series of scholarships. He established himself as one of Australia’s leading constitutional lawyers, then entered the Victorian parliament in 1928. He won a seat in the federal parliament in 1934 and served as Attorney-General and Minister for Industry in the United Australia Party government of Joseph Lyons.
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Menzies became Prime Minister in April 1939 after Joseph Lyons'; death. He held office through the early years of World War II until 1941 when he lost the confidence of members of his party and was forced to resign. As an Opposition backbencher during the war years, he helped create the Liberal Party of Australia in 1944 and became Leader of the Opposition in 1946. At the 1949 federal election, he defeated Ben Chifley’s Labor Party and once again became Australia’s Prime Minister.
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Menzies’ second period as Prime Minister laid the foundations for 22 consecutive years in government for the Liberal–Country Party Coalition. Menzies was often characterised as an extreme monarchist and ‘British to his bootstraps’ (which he was), but as Prime Minister he also upgraded Australia’s strong defence alliance with the United States. During his second period in office the ANZUS and SEATO treaties were signed, Australian troops were sent to support US-led forces in Korea, and Australia made its first commitment of combat forces to Vietnam.
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Menzies retired as Prime Minister and from parliament in 1966. Knighted in 1963, he was further honoured in 1965 by being appointed Constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports. *

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Royalty, retirement and a spot of cricket, in no particular order

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Sir Menzies shared a long history with Hotel Canberra and hosted many international delegations and political party luncheons during his time as Prime Minister.

During his term he also had the honour of hosting Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, along with Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent.

One of the objectives of the princess’ visit was to show her as much of Australia and the Australian way of life, while enabling as many people as possible to see the young royal, with an “accent on youth”.

It was reported that during the princess’ Australian tour, Sir Menzies hosted a luncheon at Hotel Canberra for young members of the community– of a similar age – to attend.

Past staff have also reported fond memories of waiting on Sir Menzies and his family as they enjoyed Christmas lunch in a private dining room.

A cricket fanatic, Sir Menzies was responsible for putting together the first Prime Minister’s XI cricket match, which was held at Manuka oval in 1953. Sir Robert Menzies took great enjoyment in selecting his team and in 1963 a dinner for the Prime Minister’s XI vs MCC was held at Hotel Canberra in which he addressed the room.

The ACT Brand of the Royal Commonwealth Society held a dinner at Hotel Canberra to honour the Award of the Order of the Thistle to Sir Robert Menzies. The Governor General Viscount De L’Isle was present.

In 1966, Sir Menzies concluded his record-run as Australian Prime Minister and at his retirement dinner at Hotel Canberra, was greeted – as always – with service of his favourite dry martini - Gordons Gin and Noilly Prat with a lemon twist.

Sir Robert Menzies created a lasting impression on Hotel Canberra and the capital city itself and we are proud to have a Suite named in his honour.

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* © Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia) 2024.