Tell me a bio of Billy Snedden.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

user
Sir Billy Mackie Snedden (1926-1987) was an Australian politician who served as the 17th Leader of the Opposition and the 17th Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. Here's a brief bio of his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Billy Snedden was born on December 31, 1926, in Perth, Western Australia. He was the youngest of three children to a family of modest means. Snedden's father was a railway worker, and his mother was a homemaker. He attended Perth Modern School and later studied law at the University of Western Australia.

**Career**

Snedden began his career as a solicitor in Perth before entering politics. He joined the Liberal Party of Australia in 1946 and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1955, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives, representing the seat of Bruce in Victoria.

**Parliamentary Career**

Snedden served in various ministerial positions, including:

1. Minister for Immigration (1964-1966)
2. Minister for Labour and National Service (1966-1969)
3. Minister for Customs and Excise (1969-1971)
4. Treasurer of Australia (1971-1972)

In 1972, Snedden became the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, serving under Prime Minister William McMahon. After McMahon's defeat in the 1972 federal election, Snedden became the Leader of the Opposition, a position he held until 1975.

**Achievements and Impact**

Snedden's achievements include:

1. **Immigration reform**: As Minister for Immigration, Snedden introduced significant reforms, including the abolition of the "White Australia policy" and the introduction of a more inclusive immigration program.
2. **Economic management**: As Treasurer, Snedden played a key role in managing Australia's economy during a period of significant change, including the introduction of decimal currency in 1966.
3. **Leadership**: Snedden's leadership of the Liberal Party during a period of significant turmoil helped to stabilize the party and pave the way for future leaders.

**Personal Life and Legacy**

Snedden was known for his charismatic personality, his love of cricket, and his commitment to social justice. He was knighted in 1978 for his services to politics. Snedden passed away on June 27, 1987, at the age of 60, due to complications from a heart attack.

Overall, Billy Snedden's career was marked by significant achievements in immigration reform, economic management, and leadership. His legacy continues to be felt in Australian politics, and he remains an important figure in the country's history.
Sir Billy Mackie Snedden, also known as Billy Snedden, was an Australian politician who served as the 8th Deputy Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972 and as the Leader of the Opposition from 1972 to 1975. Here's a brief bio of his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Billy Snedden was born on December 31, 1926, in Essendon, Victoria, Australia. He was the youngest of four children to a family of Scottish and English descent. Snedden attended Essendon Technical School and later studied law at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1948.

**Career**

Snedden entered politics in 1955, winning the seat of Bruce in the Australian Parliament as a member of the Liberal Party of Australia. He held the seat for over 25 years, until his retirement in 1983. During his time in parliament, Snedden held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Air (1961-1963), Minister for Immigration (1964-1966), and Treasurer (1968-1971).

**Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition**

In 1971, Snedden was appointed Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister William McMahon, serving in the position until 1972. When McMahon resigned, Snedden became the Leader of the Opposition, a position he held until 1975. As Leader of the Opposition, Snedden led the Liberal Party through a tumultuous period in Australian politics, marked by the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975.

**Achievements and Impact**

Snedden's notable achievements include:

1. **Financial Reform**: As Treasurer, Snedden implemented significant financial reforms, including the decimalization of the Australian currency in 1966.
2. **Immigration Policy**: As Minister for Immigration, Snedden introduced the "White Australia Policy," which restricted immigration to Australia, but also introduced changes to allow for more immigration from non-European countries.
3. **Leadership**: Snedden's leadership during the 1970s helped to stabilize the Liberal Party and provided a foundation for the party's future success.
4. **Constitutional Reform**: Snedden was a strong advocate for constitutional reform, and his efforts led to the 1973 Constitutional Convention, which aimed to modernize the Australian Constitution.

**Personal Life and Legacy**

Snedden married Joy Forsyth in 1950, and they had four children together. He was knighted in 1978 for his services to politics. After retiring from politics in 1983, Snedden remained involved in public life, serving on various boards and committees. He passed away on June 27, 1987, at the age of 60.

Overall, Billy Snedden played a significant role in shaping Australian politics, and his legacy as a leader, politician, and reformer continues to be remembered and respected today.