Harold Edward Holt

Date of Birth: 5 August 1908

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 17 December 1967 (Presumed drowned)

Biography

Harold Edward Holt was an influential Australian politician who served as the 17th Prime Minister of Australia. Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Holt pursued a career in law before venturing into politics. He was a member of the Liberal Party of Australia and represented the Division of Fawkner and later the Division of Higgins in the House of Representatives. Holt’s political career was marked by his rise through various ministerial positions, including Minister for Labour and National Service and Treasurer, before he succeeded Sir Robert Menzies as Prime Minister in January 1966. Holt is perhaps best remembered for his enigmatic disappearance in December 1967, when he vanished while swimming at Cheviot Beach near Portsea, Victoria. His disappearance led to numerous theories and extensive search efforts, but his body was never recovered, and he was presumed drowned. As Prime Minister, Holt was known for his staunch support of the Australia-United States alliance and for introducing significant reforms, including the 1967 referendum which saw overwhelming support for the inclusion of Indigenous Australians in the census and allowed the federal government to create laws for them.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold Edward Holt

1. Harold Holt was the first Australian Prime Minister to disappear while in office.

2. He played a pivotal role in the 1967 referendum that amended the Australian Constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census.

3. Holt was known for his strong support of the Vietnam War and the Australia-U.S. alliance.

4. Before his political career, Holt studied law at the University of Melbourne and became a successful barrister.

5. The Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre in Melbourne was named in his honor, despite the irony given his presumed drowning.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold Edward Holt

1. “Australia’s security is bound up with that of the United States.”

2. “We are not retreating from the world; we are expanding our role in it.”

3. “The 1967 referendum was a momentous step towards equality for Indigenous Australians.”

4. “Australia must be prepared to defend itself, and in doing so, we stand with our allies.”

5. “Our future lies in the hands of our people and their willingness to work together for the common good.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures for Harold Holt’s net worth are not readily available, it is estimated that his highest net worth was modest by today’s standards, reflecting the earnings and wealth accumulation of a politician in mid-20th century Australia.