All Australia elections

1940 Australian Federal Election

21 September 1940 · Depression and war · 74 seats, 38 for a majority

A federal election was held in Australia on 21 September 1940. All 74 seats in the House of Representatives and 19 of the 36 seats in the Senate were up for election.

Prime Minister before

Robert Menzies

UAP/Country coalition

Prime Minister (continued)

Robert Menzies

UAP/Country coalition

Largest force

United Australia–Country Coalition

36 of 74 seats

Turnout

94.8%

The result

Share of the House
United Australia–Country CoalitionRobert Menzies36-8
43.9%-4.7
LaborJohn Curtin32+3
40.2%-3.0
Labor (Non-Communist)Jack Lang4+4
5.2%+0.9
Independents30
7.5%+1.9