Don Taylor

Alexander Donald Taylor AM (24 January 1928 – 26 July 2023) was an Australian politician who was a Labor Party member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly from 1968 to 1984, representing the electoral district of Cockburn. He served as a minister in the government of John Tonkin, including as deputy premier from 1973 to 1974. Taylor later served as Administrator of Christmas Island (an Australian external territory) from 1986 to 1990.

Early life Taylor was born in Kalgoorlie to Lily Irene (née Jennings) and Alexander Taylor. He was raised in Perth, attending Perth Modern School, and was a state-level basketball player in his youth. Taylor studied teaching at the University of Western Australia and Claremont Teachers College, and after graduating worked at Applecross Senior High School (1959–1960) and Perth Modern School (1961–1962). He later worked as a rural education officer with the Junior Farmers' Council. After the 1971 election, which saw the election of a Labor government, he was made Minister for Housing and Minister for Labour in the new ministry. Following a ministerial reshuffle in October 1971, Taylor's titles were Minister for Labour, Minister for Prices Control, and Minister for Tourism. He was additionally made Minister for Immigration in February 1973. After the election, Taylor was replaced as Labor's deputy leader by Colin Jamieson. He remained in the shadow ministry until 1980, serving under three leaders of the opposition (John Tonkin, Colin Jamieson, and Ron Davies). Taylor died on 26 July 2023 in Myaree, Western Australia. He was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.