National Network for Equitable Library Service

Documents Forrest's career as inland explorer, public servant and politician. "After being actively involved in the drafting of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Australia, Sir John Forrest fought hard for 'fair terms' in steering Western Australia into federation. His career in the public life of the colony - as surveyor, inland explorer, public servant, and first premier of Western Australia - showed how energy, grit and determination, together with the right circumstances, could enable a colonial-born youth from an artisan family to achieve wealth, influence and political power. During the 1890s, he completely transformed Western Australia's communications, and developed a code of public ethics that allowed state power to aid private enterprise for the benefit of the community.". "His achievements after federation were no less impressive. As minister for defence, minister for home affairs, several times treasurer, and acting prime minister of Australia, he was one of the nation-builders during the early years of federal government, and took a prominent part in the creation of the two-party political system in national politics