Former
Speakers

Sir Archie Michaelis
1889-1975
Speaker: 1950-1952
Legislative Assembly: 1932-1952

Archie Michaelis was born in St. Kilda and educated partly in Melbourne and partly in England. He joined the family firm Michaelis Hallenstein and Co., leather merchants, in 1909. During World War I he served with the Australian Imperial Force. In 1920 he married Claire Esther Hart.

Michaelis held the Legislative Assembly seat of St. Kilda from 1932 until his defeat in 1952. He was successively a member of the United Australia Party, the Liberal Party and the Liberal Country Party. He was briefly a minister without portfolio in 1945, and was Speaker from 1950 until 1952.

After his defeat in 1952 Michaelis continued in the family company, as well becoming a director of several other companies. He was prominent in the Jewish community both during and after his time in the Legislative Assembly. He was knighted in 1952.

Michaelis died at South Yarra, and was survived by three daughters.