Allen Fairhall

Lore & Background

Fairhall developed an interest in radio as a young man while working as an electrical fitter at the Walsh Island Dockyard in Newcastle and attending Newcastle Technical College. He obtained his amateur radio licence in 1928 with callsign VK2KB, which he held for more than 50 years. His expertise in radio led him to convince the Postmaster-General's Department that Newcastle needed a second commercial station, and in 1931 he established 2KO. During World War II, he worked on the supply of signals equipment for the Australian armed services. From 1941 to 1944, he served as an alderman of the City of Newcastle.

Entering federal parliament in 1949 as the Liberal Member for Paterson, Fairhall rose to become a minister under four prime ministers. As Minister for Defence from 1966 to 1969, he was responsible for the introduction of the F-111 fighter aircraft and the reintroduction of conscription for the Vietnam War. The F-111 purchase became a major political issue due to price escalation and late delivery. Following the disappearance of Harold Holt in December 1967, Fairhall had support to nominate for the Liberal Party leadership, but he declined.

Reader's Guide

Fairhall's significance lies in his dual legacy as both a pioneering amateur radio operator and a senior Australian government minister. His early establishment of commercial radio station 2KO in 1931 demonstrated how amateur radio expertise could translate into broader communications infrastructure. As Minister for Defence, his decisions on the F-111 aircraft and conscription for the Vietnam War had lasting impacts on Australian defence policy; the Royal Australian Air Force retired its last F-111Cs in December 2010. After retiring from politics before the 1969 election, he wrote a book on Henry George titled Towards a New Society. He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1970, received an honorary Doctorate of Science from Newcastle University, and was awarded the James N Kirby Medal from the Institution of Production Engineers (Australian Division). His lifelong membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia reflects his enduring connection to amateur radio, a hobby he pursued for over five decades.

Did You Know?

• Fairhall obtained his amateur radio licence in 1928 with callsign VK2KB and held it for more than 50 years.
• He established commercial radio station 2KO in Newcastle in 1931.