Timeline: Malcolm Fraser's political career
Australia's 22nd prime minister Malcolm Fraser came to office in unprecedented and controversial circumstances but went on to win three elections as Liberal Party leader.
Youngest MP voted into Federal Parliament
1955
When he first entered Federal Parliament in 1955, Malcolm Fraser was its youngest MP, aged just 25.
Entered cabinet as minister for the army
1966
After more than a decade as a backbencher, Mr Fraser entered cabinet in 1966 as the minister for the army and presided over the controversial conscription program for the Vietnam War.
Led Liberal-Country Party Coalition to landslide election victory
1975
Before rising to the country's highest office, Malcolm Fraser played a pivotal role in helping remove three leaders: Liberal prime minister John Gorton, opposition leader Billy Snedden and eventually Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam.
Following the dismissal of the Whitlam government by governor-general John Kerr, Mr Fraser led the Liberal-Country Party Coalition to a landslide general election victory at the end of 1975.
After securing a 55-seat majority, he quickly dismantled many Whitlam government initiatives and made major changes to policies such as Medibank.
Fraser was particularly active in foreign affairs, supporting the Commonwealth in campaigning to abolish Apartheid in South Africa.
He remained an unwavering opponent of Apartheid after leaving office and was subsequently appointed to roles with the United Nations and Commonwealth of Nations.
Signs Australia-Japan Treaty of Friendship, enacts Land Rights Act.
1976
In 1976 the Fraser government signed the Australia-Japan Treaty of Friendship.
At the end of that year, the government also enacted the Northern Territory Land Rights Act.
Retains office with another election victory
1977
During 1977 the first judges of the newly established Federal Court were sworn in by the attorney-general.
In December 1977 Fraser retained office with another election victory, where the Coalition's vote remained strong.
Self government conferred on NT
1978
Self government was conferred on the Northern Territory following 67 years of federal administration.
AFP, Australian Refugee Advisory Council established
1979
Following the Hilton bombing in Sydney, the Australian Federal Police force was formed in 1979.
Later, Mr Fraser introduced legislation to establish a Crimes Commission following the Costigan Royal Commission.
The Australian Refugee Advisory Council was also established and during the Fraser government, tens of thousands of Vietnamese people were resettled in Australia.
The government also established the Commonwealth ombudsman and enacted Australia's first Freedom of Information laws.
During its eight years in office, the Fraser government banned sand mining on Fraser Island. The first Australian sites were placed on the World Heritage list and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was declared.
Hawke leads Labor to victory, Fraser retires
1983
Malcolm Fraser's political career ended in 1983 when Bob Hawke led Labor to victory. Mr Fraser retired from Parliament shortly after.
Topics: government-and-politics, australia
