Austin Lewis

Austin William Russell Lewis (5 December 1932 – 30 May 2024) was an Australian politician. He was a member of the Liberal Party and served as a Senator for Victoria from 1976 to 1993. He was a shadow minister from 1984 to 1990 and was the Liberal Party's deputy Senate leader from 1987 to 1990.

Early life Lewis was born on 5 December 1932 in Richmond, Victoria. He was the only child born to Dulcie Alexandrina (née Williams) and David Lewis. His father, a fruiterer by profession, was president of the local branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and twice served as mayor of the City of Richmond.

Lewis was educated at Melbourne High School and went on to the University of Melbourne, graduating Bachelor of Laws in 1955. He was also a member of the Citizen Air Force from 1951 to 1956. After graduating from university he moved to Warrnambool and joined the law firm of J. S. Tait & Co., eventually becoming senior partner. He was also involved in local businesses, including as chairman of Warrnambool Woollen Mills Co. Ltd and a director of Mid-City Motel (Ballarat) Pty Ltd, as well as chair of the management committee of Warrnambool Base Hospital. He served on the party's state executive from 1973 to 1976 and was also a campaign director for the state seat of Warrnambool and the federal seat of Wannon, held by future prime minister Malcolm Fraser. In December 1983 he denounced in vitro fertilisation in parliament, stating those involved in the procedure were "in effect playing the role of God" and comparing them to "the Nazis endeavouring to manipulate the human race in Germany". However, he was sacked from shadow cabinet in February 1990 following a 7.30 interview in which he stated that Peacock would be removed as leader if the party lost the election, as well as dismissing suggestions that Howard could return to the leadership. Peacock attributed the dismissal to Lewis breaching "the standards of teamwork and collective association of responsibility".

Personal life Lewis married Wilma Lawrey in 1956, with whom he had four children.