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After German troops invaded Poland on 1 September, Britain declared war. The Dominions, including Australia, followed.
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He made the decision after losing the confidence of his Cabinet.
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Robert Menzies became Prime Minister for the second time, starting a 16-year term that set a record in Australian politics.
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The Menzies Government announced that Australia would send troops to fight in Korea.
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Menzies announces the first call-up notice for military service under the National Service Act.
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Elizabeth II was proclaimed Queen after the death of her father, King George VI.
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The security treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, signed in Canberra on 1 September 1951 came into effect.
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Queen Elizabeth arrived in Sydney aboard the royal yacht Gothic, making her the first reigning monarch to visit Australia.
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The first nuclear tests took place at Maralinga, South Australia.
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Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, opened Australia’s first Olympic Games in Melbourne.
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The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act made ASIO a statutory authority.
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Australia signed an agreement to allow the United States to establish satellite tracking stations.
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Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced Australian troops would be sent to Vietnam to support United States forces.
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Menzies declares his intention to retire and resigns as Prime Minister bringing an end to the term of Australia's longest serving Prime Minister.