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Australia declares war on Germany
After German troops invaded Poland on 1 September, Britain declared war. The Dominions, including Australia, followed. -
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Resigned as Prime Minister
He made the decision after losing the confidence of his Cabinet. -
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Elected Prime Minister for the 2nd time
Robert Menzies became Prime Minister for the second time, starting a 16-year term that set a record in Australian politics. -
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Australia joins Korean War
The Menzies Government announced that Australia would send troops to fight in Korea. -
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National Service begins
Menzies announces the first call-up notice for military service under the National Service Act. -
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Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen after the death of her father, King George VI. -
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ANZUS Treaty
The security treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, signed in Canberra on 1 September 1951 came into effect. -
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The Queen in Australia
Queen Elizabeth arrived in Sydney aboard the royal yacht Gothic, making her the first reigning monarch to visit Australia. -
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Maralinga atomic tests
The first nuclear tests took place at Maralinga, South Australia. -
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Melbourne Olympic Games
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, opened Australia’s first Olympic Games in Melbourne. -
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ASIO Act
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act made ASIO a statutory authority. -
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US space tracking
Australia signed an agreement to allow the United States to establish satellite tracking stations. -
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War in Vietnam
Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced Australian troops would be sent to Vietnam to support United States forces. -
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End of an era
Menzies declares his intention to retire and resigns as Prime Minister bringing an end to the term of Australia's longest serving Prime Minister.