Roger Johnston
J. Roger Johnston was an Australian politician. He contested the Division of Melbourne Ports in 1975, but lost to the incumbent Labor member Frank Crean. Following this, Johnston successfully sought Liberal preselection for Hotham, competing against nine other members. In 1977, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives as the Liberal member for Hotham. He was a member of the Parliamentary Yacht Club, along with Phillip Lynch, Alan Cadman and Marshall Baillieu. In 1979, Johnston was part of a delegation of Australian parliamentarians sent to Port Moresby to learn about resources development. He was defeated in 1980. He attempted to gain preselection for the 1982 Flinders by-election.
Roger was a great grandson of David Syme. Roger took control of The Age in 1965. Roger was responsible for production, and led the move of the newspaper from Collins Street to Spencer Street in the late 1960s.
Until a few years before his death, Roger was chairman of the Liberal Party in Higgins electorate division, and president of the Association of Former Members of the Parliament of Australia.
Roger attended Melbourne Grammar and Melbourne University. He was married twice. Three children – Bruce, Susan and Laura. Three grandchildren - Georgina, James and Henrietta.
