Preceded by Ted Mattner Role Australian Politician Nationality Australian Died August 7, 1984 | Occupation Farmer Succeeded by Magnus Cormack Name Alister McMullin Resigned June 30, 1971 | |
 | ||
Born 14 July 1900
Scone, New South Wales ( 1900-07-14 ) Political party Liberal Party of Australia Party Liberal Party of Australia Books Rulings of the President of the Senate (The Hon. Sir Alister McMullin, K.C.M.G.) from 1953 to 1971 | ||
Sir Alister Maxwell McMullin, (14 July 1900 – 7 August 1984) was an Australian politician. Born in Scone, New South Wales, he was educated at state schools before becoming a farmer and grazier. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940-1945, and when he returned served on Upper Hunter Shire Council. In 1951, he was elected to the Australian Senate as a Liberal Senator for New South Wales. In 1953, he succeeded Ted Mattner as President of the Senate; he served as President for 18 years, until his retirement from the Senate in 1971. He is thus the longest serving President of the Senate in Australian history.
He was closely associated with the planning and development of the National Library of Australia as Chairman of the Australian Advisory Council on Bibliographical Services, Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library Committee and Deputy Chairman of the Council of the National Library of Australia.
He was also involved in the preparation of plans for the new Parliament House in Canberra as Chairman of a special Parliamentary Joint Select Committee. He represented the Australian Government at numerous international events, including the funeral of John F. Kennedy.
Outside politics McMullin was Chancellor of the University of Newcastle from 1966 until 1977.
Whilst serving as President of the Senate, McMullin was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1957.
He died in 1984.