Ben Chifley
Ben Chifley was an Australian politician who served as the 16th Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949. A member of the Australian Labor Party, Chifley is remembered for his post-war reconstruction policies and for fostering the development of the Australian economy. His government focused on building a welfare state and expanding public services, including education and healthcare. Chifley also played a significant role in establishing the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 1949, responding to concerns from British and American allies regarding the handling of sensitive intelligence.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Ben Chifley’s Labor government first decided to broaden Australia’s intake of postwar immigrants to include Europeans.
Grandson of Snowy Mountains Scheme founder William Hudson faces immigration question
Australia· 2026-02-19
Albanese’s speech at the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony on Australia Day pointedly quoted Ben Chifley.
One Nation winning votes from ex-Labor, Liberal and Nationals votersAustralia· 2026-01-31
Quoting former Labor prime minister Ben Chifley, he said migrants had arrived in a country where 'democracy is not just a platitude, but something which is practised'.
Albanese warns new citizens respect for democracy isn't optional amid immigration debateAustralia· 2026-01-26
Ben Chifley was Australia’s 16th prime minister and is recognized as Bathurst’s favourite son.
Inside Bathurst's historic homestead turned luxury stayAustralia· 2026-01-24
Ben Chifley is described as a prime minister who has been mythologized into a beloved national icon despite his government's failures.
Liberals ignore, despise and knife their leaders – and drive their party over a cliffAustralia· 2025-12-07
Ben Chifley aided Larwood's move to Australia.
Australia-England grudges die hard, but genuine hatred would kill sport’s oldest rivalryAustralia· 2025-11-11
The statue will be not far from a bronze memorial of John Curtin and Ben Chifley.
Memorial to be erected outside Old Parliament HouseAustralia· 2025-11-10
Ben Chifley was a former Prime Minister whose death was mourned by Menzies, showcasing their private friendship.
The unlikely friendships that survived the DismissalAustralia· 2025-10-30
The second Curtin government and the Chifley government that followed Curtin’s death at the end of World War II established an economic reform programme.
Labor’s decisive victory creates historic opportunity to think big on energy and climate policyAustralia· 2025-05-14
Ben Chifley was the Prime Minister who initiated plans to nationalise the banking system in Australia.
New book release reviews include A Booker winner, a comedy and Hitler’s obsession with EinsteinAustralia· 2025-05-04
William Stoltz explained that British and American intelligence went to then prime minister Ben Chifley regarding their concerns.
Trump Signal group chat leak leaves intelligence community aghastAustralia· 2025-03-28
