The former home of Australia's wartime Prime Minister, John Curtin, to be restored

30/7/99
The former home of Australia's wartime Prime Minister, the Hon. John Curtin, will be preserved following a decision by the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments to purchase the property.
In a joint announcement today, Prime Minister John Howard and Premier Richard Court said the home was of significant historical value to the State and the nation.
Mr Howard said John Curtin was not only a fine Western Australian but importantly a national figure who won wide esteem and respect for his wartime leadership as Prime Minister.
"The Commonwealth Government is pleased to be playing a role in preserving this small but important part of Australian history," the Prime Minister said.
Mr Court said John Curtin was widely recognised as one of Australia's most significant Prime Ministers and was best remembered for his tireless work in guiding Australia through World War II.
"Western Australians are proud of the achievements of John Curtin and as a community it is fitting that we acknowledge the contribution he made to our State and our nation," the Premier said.

John Curtin moved into the Cottesloe home in 1923 with his wife Elsie and their two children. He lived there until his death in 1945 - just 11 weeks before the end of World War II.
Mr Curtin assisted with the design of the house and conducted much of his work from the modest home when staying in Perth.
The home has been maintained by Mr Curtin's descendants and still contains furniture and other mementos belonging to the former Prime Minister and his family.
Mr Court said the Commonwealth and State Governments had agreed to purchase a number of the items.
"Steps are also being taken to place the house on the State's Register of Heritage Places," the Premier said.
Mr Court said that Education Minister Colin Barnett was currently negotiating with Curtin University of Technology, which was renamed after the former Prime Minister in 1987, over the future use of the house.
"It is envisaged that the house may be used to accommodate visiting scholars," he said.
"It may also be used as an extension to Curtin University's John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, with appropriate displays open to the public for certain periods."
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 92229975