Australian Events
Posted in 1932
- Lyons Government, (see Australian Prime Ministers) January 6: "Under Lyons' reassuring leadership, the United Australia Party assumed power on Jan 6, 1932 with an absolute House majority, thus becoming independent of the Country Party. Chifley and Theodore lost their seats."
The Macquarie Book of Events, 1983 p 347.
- Dust storms, drought and the Great Depression bring continued hardship to rural communities. Prices in London are so low that meat exports are suspended. Unemployment across the nation soars.
- Sydney Harbour Bridge is completed. Designed by John Bradfield, the bridge has a span of 1,650 feet and weighs 37,000 tons. At the opening ceremony on April 6, a sword-wielding guard slashes the ribbon before the NSW Premier Mr Lang could cut it to open the bridge. Captain de Groot is fined on a charge of "having maliciously injured a ribbon valued at £2".
- Australia's famous race-horse Phar Lap dies in America.
- Australian Broadcasting Commission is established by the Lyons government.
- England begins the Ashes Test cricket series against Australia with "bodyline" bowling by Larwood.