Tom Tehan

Thomas Joseph Tehan (18 January 1916 – 1 June 1996) was an Australian politician. He was a Senator for Victoria from 1975 to 1978, representing the National Country Party (NCP). He was also state president of the party from 1975 to 1976. Prior to entering parliament he was a public servant and lawyer.

Early life Tehan was born on 18 January 1916 in Kyabram, Victoria. He was the son of Mary Josephine (née O'Brien) and Michael John Tehan. His father was active in the Victorian Farmers' Union and briefly served as president of the Deakin Shire Council. His paternal grandfather had immigrated to Australia from County Kilkenny, Ireland.

Tehan grew up in the rural locality of Timmering near Kyabram, where his father and uncle had a mixed farming property that included beef and dairy cattle, sheep, oats and wheat. He began his education at Timmering East State School, later attending Sacred Heart School and St Mary's College in Tatura before winning a scholarship to Xavier College, Melbourne.

Senate Tehan was placed in sixth position on the Coalition's joint Senate ticket in Victoria at the 1974 federal election, but failed to win election. He retained his place on the ticket at the 1975 election and was elected to a three-year term. However, at the 1977 election he was beaten by Australian Democrats leader Don Chipp for the final Senate seat. His term concluded on 30 June 1978.

Personal life In 1943, Tehan married Hannah Huggins, with whom he had four children. He died on 1 June 1996 at St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, aged 80, and was returned to Kyabram for burial.