Milton Morris

Milton Arthur Morris AO (2 April 1924 – 27 February 2019) was an Australian politician who represented the Electoral district of Maitland between 3 March 1956 and 29 August 1980 for the Liberal Party. He helped pass several laws promoting automobile safety.

Early life He was born in April 1924 at Mayfield, New South Wales, to Arthur Henry Morris, a railway guard, and his wife Janet Thomson. He was educated at Wickham Public School and Newcastle Junior Boys High School. Morris briefly joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1942 before transferring to the part-time Volunteer Defence Corps, where he served as an anti-aircraft gunner from 1942 until 1945. He married Colleen Joan Burgess on 13 October 1945. They had one son and three daughters.

Political career Morris joined the Liberal Party in 1954 and was a member of the Tarro Branch of the Party. He was a Councillor on the Lower Hunter Shire (1954–1958). With the retirement of Incumbent member for Maitland, Walter Howarth, Morris was preselected by the Liberal Party and won the seat at that election. He subsequently won re-election at the 1956, 1959, 1962, 1965, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1976 and 1978 New South Wales State elections. He was also Minister for Lands, Minister for Forests (1975–1975) and Minister for Decentralisation and Development (1976–1976). On his departure from parliament, he was permitted by Queen Elizabeth II, on the Governor's recommendation, to continue to use the title "The Honourable".

Later life Morris had not contested any election since his Lyne campaign. In a 2008 interview with the Maitland Mercury it was noted that he had the nickname 'Mr Maitland'.

Community activity and honours Chairman of Hunter Valley Training. Honorary Chairman of Lewis House Apprentice Hostel, Mayfield Patron of East Maitland sub branch, Returned Serviceman's League. Patron – The Mai-Wel Group. Patron – Waratah Brass Inaugural Inductee of the City of Maitland Hall of Fame Honorary Prefect of Hunter Christian School (formerly Mayfield Christian Community School) Patron - Sydney Heritage Fleet (1965-1986)

Honours Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) – 1988, for his contribution to politics, youth and the community. Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta (Poland) – 1989, for service to Poland and its people.