Francis Bathurst Suttor

Francis Bathurst Suttor was an accomplished student at School. In one year he came first in all seven of his subjects. On leaving school, Francis pursued grazing interests around Bathurst and Wellington where he was instrumental in the development of the Australian merino industry.

Elected a “Free Trader” to the Legislative Assembly as the member for Bathurst in 1875, Francis was appointed Minister of Justice and Public Instruction in 1877 and in successive administrations he also held the position of Postmaster-General, Acting Secretary of Mines and Minister of Public Instruction. Francis introduced the Public Instruction Act of 1880. Francis lost his seat in February 1889 but was nominated to the Legislative Council, winning the election in 1891. Once again Francis was appointed Minister of Public Instruction and was acting Colonial Secretary for five months in 1892. Francis was also the New South Wales government representative at the Ottawa Colonial Conference in 1894. Francis resigned his seat in June 1900 to become vice president of the Executive Council. In 1903 Francis was appointed president of the Executive Council, a position he held until his death in 1915. In all he had contested seventeen elections, twelve successfully.

The interests that Francis had went beyond politics as he was a Trustee of the New South Wales Art Gallery and the Australian Museum. As President of the Royal Agricultural Society from 1903-15 he was responsible for revitalising the show and his interest in merinos continued as President of the Sheep breeders Association from 1903-1915. Concern for education and children saw Francis become a member of the senate for Sydney University, President of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, a patron of literary figures in particular Miles Franklin and President of the Royal Life Saving Society.

Knighted in 1903 for his political endeavours and work within the community, Francis was seen as a selfless public worker who was generous with both his time and his resources.