William Watson

William Watson (22 October 1864 – 21 December 1938) was an Australian businessman and politician. He was a member of the Australian House of Representatives for the seat of Fremantle as an independent from 1922 to 1928 and as a member of the United Australia Party from 1931 to 1934.

Early life Watson was born on 21 October 1863 in Campbells Creek, Victoria. He was the son of Matilda (née Spiers) and William Watson. His mother was born in England and his father, a miner, in Scotland.

Politics In 1922, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as an independent representing the seat of Fremantle. Watson was an outspoken opponent of the party system throughout his career, believing that it "prevented men giving their best service to the country and it made them decidedly dishonest, although they would rather it not be so". Despite this, he usually voted with the conservative parties in the House. He held the seat until he retired in 1928, citing his frustration with the political system and his inability to "mitigate the sectional division in parliament". He was re-elected to the House in 1931 - defeating John Curtin - citing his concern about the governmental response to the Great Depression for his decision to return to politics. Initially elected as an independent, he joined the governing UAP soon after the election. However, he retired for a final time in 1934, stating that he had decided not to seek re-election unless it was proved to him that it "would be of some definite advantage to the people" if he were to be returned and this had not occurred.