James Menzies (Australian politician) James Menzies (Australian politician) James Menzies (9 August 18621 November 1945) was an Australian businessman and politician who served in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1911 to 1920, representing the district of Lowan. Before entering politics, he ran the general store in Jeparit, Victoria. He was the father of Robert Menzies, the longest-serving Prime Minister of Australia. Menzies was born in Ballarat West, Victoria, one of the nine surviving children of Elizabeth (née Band) and Robert Menzies. His parents were both Scottish immigrants, meeting soon after their arrival in Australia in 1854 and marrying the following year. His father –
Acting prime minister Minister on 16 separate occasions. The term "acting Prime Minister" is sometimes also applied to someone who is temporarily appointed Prime Minister following a death in office (more commonly called a "caretaker Prime Minister" or an "interim Prime Minister"). Examples include Frank Forde (seven days following John Curtin's death), Earle Page (19 days following Joseph Lyons' death), and John McEwen (22 days following Harold Holt's disappearance). Unlike those who merely acted in the absence of a Prime Minister, Forde, Lyons, Page and McEwen were officially commissioned by the Governor General and took the oath of office; they are considered Prime