| Sir Robert Mackenzie Bt. | |
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| In office 15 August 1867 – 25 November 1868 | |
| Preceded by | Robert Herbert |
| Succeeded by | Charles Lilley |
| Born | July 21 1811 Ross-shire, Scotland, UK |
| Died | September 19 1873 (aged 62) Scotland, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Louisa Alexandrina Jones |
| Occupation | Magistrate |
Sir Robert Ramsay Mackenzie Bt. (21 July 1811 - 19 September 1873) was premier of Queensland, Australia from August 1867 to November 1868.
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Early life
Mackenzie was born in Coul, Ross-shire, Scotland, fourth son of Sir George Steuart Mackenzie FRS, (7th baronet), and wife Mary, fifth daughter of Donald Macleod of Geanies, Ross-shire.
New South Wales
In April 1832 Mackenzie arrived on the Wave in Sydney, New South Wales, with £750 joining his brother James. He purchased sheep for £500 and grazed them at Riddlesdale (near Dungog, New South Wales). After land speculation with his brother James, Robert Mackenzie bought a station, got into debt and borrowed money from his Scottish relatives. His financial situation worsened and he was declared bankrupt in 1844. In 1846 he was discharged from bankruptcy and was appointed a magistrate in 1847, living in Clifton, New England.
Political career
Queensland was declared a separate colony in 1859, Mackenzie entered politics and became colonial treasurer on 18 December 1859 in the ministry of Robert Herbert. Mackenzie represented Burnett in the Queensland Legislative Assembly 1860–1869. Mackenzie formed a government on the resignation of Arthur Macalister, taking on the roles of premier and colonial treasurer. He resigned on 25 November 1868.
Late life
Robert Mackenzie succeeded his brother William on his death on 21 December 1868 to the baronetcy and Robert returned to live on the family estate in Scotland in 1871.
References
- R. B. Joyce, 'Mackenzie, Sir Robert Ramsay (1811 - 1873)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 5, MUP, 1974, pp 171-172.
- Serle, Percival (1949). "Mackenzie, Robert". Dictionary of Australian Biography. Sydney: Angus and Robertson.
Additional resources listed by the Australian Dictionary of Biography
- C. A. Bernays, Queensland Politics During Sixty Years (Brisb, 1919)
- J. F. Campbell, ‘Discovery and early pastoral settlement of New England’, JRAHS, 8 (1922)
- Brisbane Courier, 28 July 1862
- The Times (London), 24 September 1873, p 5
- P. D. Wilson, The Political Career of Hon. A. Macalister (B.A. Hons thesis, University of Queensland, 1969)
- Bankruptcy papers, 1250 (State Records New South Wales)
- Land and Colonial Secretary's files (Queensland State Archives).
Premiers of Queensland | |
|---|---|
| Herbert • Macalister • Mackenzie • Lilley • Palmer • Thorn • Douglas • McIlwraith • Griffith • Morehead • Nelson • Byrnes • Dickson • Dawson • Philp • Morgan • Kidston • Denham • Ryan • Theodore • Gillies • McCormack • Moore • Forgan Smith • F Cooper • Hanlon • Gair • Nicklin • Pizzey • Chalk • Bjelke-Petersen • Ahern • R Cooper • Goss • Borbidge • Beattie • Bligh |  |
