Historical rankings of Prime Ministers of Australia
1
John Curtin
1941–1945
One-time pacifist who saw Australia through its darkest days during World War II, and died in office.
2
Robert Menzies
1939–1941, 1949–1966
Forced out of office by his own party, ending his first term in 1941. Triumphed in 1949 to become Australia's longest-serving Prime Minister. Promoted enormous influx of European immigrants and the augmentation of manufactures, construction and overseas commerce.
3
Bob Hawke
1983–1991
Used an accord with the trade-union movement to implement economic changes vital for Australia, but at odds with much of Labor's tradition. His innate eloquence, gracefulness and kindly humour captured the affection of common Australians and enabled him to break up the old socialist restraints on commerce and industry whilst retaining popular support.
4
Ben Chifley
1945–1949
Presided over Australia's postwar reconstruction but was trounced at the 1949 election after his attempt to nationalise the banks. Acknowledged even by his enemies to be a great man, one of noble and just vision, nevertheless his conduct of Australia's government was injured by the arrogance of his personality and carrying the program of social and economic reform too far and too fast.
5
John Howard
1996–2007
Australia's second longest-serving Prime Minister. Under Howard there were major reforms to the waterfront, tax system and industrial relations. He deployed Australia's military to Iraq and Afghanistan, and to quash various conflicts in the Pacific, such as East Timor and the Solomon Islands. In 2007 his coalition government was defeated.
6
Gough Whitlam
1972–1975
Brought down 23 years of Liberal/ Country Party Coalition Government's through Modernising the Labor Party and catching the new mood of Australia but failed to adapt to the vicissitudes of office, hence becoming the only Prime Minister to be dismissed.
7
Paul Keating
1991–1996
Promoted a republic, Aboriginal reconciliation and won the "unwinnable" 1993 federal election for Labor. He became electorally unpopular because he was seen as pandering to sectional interests and lost the 1996 federal election to John Howard.
8
Malcolm Fraser
1975–1983
Came to the Prime Ministership controversially, restored and recovered Australia from the 1975 Australian constitutional crisis. Had a rhetoric of the new economic liberalism, but delivered less than his supporters expected.
9
John Gorton
1968–1971
A leader whose individualistic style proved unacceptable to a Liberal Party more conservative and staid than he was.
10
Harold Holt
1966–1967
Won the "Vietnam" 1966 federal election resoundingly. He had a strong relationship with U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson but was struggling politically by the time he drowned in December 1967.
11
William McMahon
1971–1972
Unable to hold back the tide of "Whitlamism" in a changing Australia. Lost the Australian federal election, 1972 to Gough Whitlam subsequently ending 23 years of Liberal/Country coalition governments.
