William McCall

William Victor "Big Bill" McCall (24 May 1908 – 19 August 1968) was an Australian politician and businessman. He was a member of the United Australia Party (UAP) and held the seat of Martin in the House of Representatives from 1934 to 1943.

Early life McCall was born on 24 May 1908 in Chatswood, New South Wales. He was the second child born to Hilda Mary (née Bowman) and William James McCall; his father was a bank officer. McCall attended Sydney Grammar School, leaving in 1924 following his father's death. He subsequently entered business as a skin-trade and wool-buyer.

Politics McCall became involved in politics at the age of 17, when he volunteered as an orator for the National Association. His decision to seek a parliamentary seat was prompted by the difficulties businesses experienced during the Great Depression. In 1931, he attempted to gain pre-selection for the federal seat of Martin for the United Australia Party (UAP), losing to William Holman. The following year, he won UAP preselection for the 1932 East Sydney by-election, caused by the death of his friend John Clasby. He lost to Lang Labor's Eddie Ward by only 173 votes.

Personal life McCall married Georgina Bessie Dart at Chatswood on 6 June 1934. He was widowed in 1961; on 24 October the following year, he married secretary Mavis Michele Dearing. Together with his chauffeur, McCall left Pittwater on 19 August 1968 in his speedboat; the vessel was found upturned and abandoned the next day near Collaroy, and the two men were presumed drowned. McCall was survived by his wife and daughter, together with the son and daughter of his first marriage.