1847-1918

Australian politician and explorer who became his country's first premier. In his various official capacities, he spearheaded both harbor and railroad projects along with a plan for supplying water to the valuable gold fields. In addition to promoting substantial land settlements, he worked for women's suffrage and protected the interests of smaller states within Australia. He was the first native Australian to be honored by a title in the British peerage—Baron Forrest of Bunbury—and he was also knighted. His writings reflect his lifelong interests and love of country: Explorations in Australia (1875) and Notes on Western Australia (1884).