John Marriott

John Edward Marriott (16 February 1913 – 13 April 1994) was an Australian politician. He was a member of the Liberal Party and served as a Senator for Tasmania from 1953 to 1975. He briefly served as an assistant minister in the McMahon government from 1971 to 1972.

Early life Marriott was born on 16 February 1913 in Elliott, Tasmania. He was the youngest of four sons born to Alice Maud and Frank Marriott; his father and older brother Fred were also members of parliament. His parents were both born in England.

Marriott spent his first years on a farming property near Elliott, which had belonged to his mother's family. His father was blinded while serving in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. The family lived in England from 1919 to 1920 while his father attended St Dunstan's Hostel for the Blind. Marriott attended Launceston Church Grammar School and The Hutchins School in Hobart. He ran his father's election campaigns from a young age.

Politics Early involvement Marriott joined the newly created Liberal Party upon his return to Australia. He was a paid organiser for the party in Tasmania from 1945 to 1949, moving to Hobart in 1946, and also worked as the party's state publicity officer and as a part-time secretary for Liberals MPs Charles Falkinder, Neil Campbell and Rex Townley.

Marriott was re-elected at the 1958, 1964, 1970 and 1974 elections. He stood unsuccessfully for the Tasmanian Legislative Council in 1976.

Marriott had a prominent role as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse from 1970 to 1971. The committee's report "advocated a humanitarian approach to the problems of addicts, while urging collaboration among Australian and international agencies to prevent trafficking", and opposed legalisation of illicit drugs. In August 1971, he criticised some Australians for their "cruel, heartless outlook" towards drug addiction. Marriott himself suffered from alcohol addiction, which was publicly reported against his wishes, and was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. He served as an assistant minister in the McMahon government from 1971 to 1972, assisting the Minister for Health.

Personal life In 1943, Marriott married Myra Viney, with whom he had one daughter. He was active in the Legacy Club, the synod of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, and the Australian American Association.

Marriott died in Hobart on 13 April 1994.