Ben Chifley was an Australian politician who served as the 16th Prime Minister of Australia from 1945 to 1949. Born on September 22, 1885, in Bathurst, New South Wales, he worked as a locomotive engineer before entering politics. Chifley was known for his progressive policies, including the establishment of the Australian National University and the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme. He was a champion of workers' rights and social welfare programs. Chifley's tenure was marked by post-World War II reconstruction efforts and economic reforms. He passed away on June 13, 1951, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved leader in Australian history.