Alfred Deakin, Australia's 2nd Prime Minister, was in office 3 times in the first 10 years of Federation.

Often referred to as ‘the constructor’, his work in building soundly on the nation’s constitutional foundations is evident over 100 years later.

Perhaps the finest speaker in the Australian parliament’s first century, Deakin’s love of learning informed his political life. Handsome and intelligent, his courteous manner earned him the nickname ‘Affable Alfred’.

Did you know?

Alfred Deakin:

• was an anonymous correspondent for London newspapers between 1901 and 1914
• was the only prime minister to reject the title 'Right Honorable'
• was the only prime minister to refuse honorary degrees from Oxford and Cambridge universities
• was the first prime minister to reject membership of Privy Council
• was nicknamed 'Affable Alfred'
• has many places named in his honour, including the Alfred Deakin Prime Ministerial Library