Harold Holt: An urbane treasurer

Harold Holt is regarded as one of the most amiable and diligent treasurers. His reputation as treasurer was enhanced by strong economic growth and low inflation and unemployment, although the 1961 credit squeeze was a blot in his copybook. He oversaw the establishment of the Reserve Bank and the smooth introduction of decimal currency. Sadly his career as treasurer and prime minister was overshadowed by the political difficulties in his last year and the tragic circumstances of his death.