Sir Robert Mackenzie, 10th Baronet

Sir Robert Ramsay Mackenzie, 10th Baronet (21 July 1811 – 19 September 1873) was a pastoralist and politician in Queensland, Australia. He was Premier of Queensland, Australia from August 1867 to November 1868.

Early life Mackenzie was born in Coul, Ross-shire, Scotland, fourth son of Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, and wife Mary, fifth daughter of Donald Macleod of Geanies, Ross-shire.

New South Wales In April 1832 Mackenzie arrived on the Wave in Sydney, New South Wales, with £750 joining his brother James. He purchased sheep for £500 and grazed them at Riddlesdale (near Dungog, New South Wales). After land speculation with his brother James, Robert Mackenzie bought a station, got into debt and borrowed money from his Scottish relatives. His financial situation worsened and he was declared bankrupt in 1844. In 1846 he was discharged from bankruptcy and was appointed a magistrate in 1847, living in Clifton, New England.

Political career Queensland was declared a separate colony in 1859, Mackenzie became involved with politics and became Colonial Treasurer on 15 December 1859 in the ministry of Robert Herbert. Mackenzie represented Burnett in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland 1860–1869. Mackenzie formed a government on the resignation of Arthur Macalister, taking the roles of both Premier and Colonial Treasurer. He resigned on 25 November 1868.

Personal life Robert Mackenzie married Louise Alexandrina Jones, daughter of Richard Jones, a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Sydney, in 1846. One of their daughters, Mary Louisa (Minnie), married Alexander Archer, one of the Archer brothers. Both Minnie and Alexander died in the 1890 sinking of the RMS Quetta and are commemorated with a memorial window in the Quetta Memorial Church at Thursday Island.

Robert Mackenzie succeeded his brother William on his death on 21 December 1868 to the baronetcy and returned to live on the family estate in Scotland in 1871. Sir Robert died at 6 Atherstone Terrace, Queen’s Gate Gardens, London on 19 September 1873.