Street was made Minister of Defence in November 1938 and played a major role in the expansion of the military and munitions production prior to the outbreak of World War II and pushed the National Registration Act ( 1939 ) through parliament despite strong opposition . Following the outbreak of war , he worked tirelessly to put Australia on a war footing . In November 1939 , Menzies abolished the position of Minister of Defence and appointed Street Minister for the Army and Minister for Repatriation . Street died while holding these offices in the 1940 Canberra air disaster , along with two other Cabinet ministers
1940 Canberra air disaster
1940 Canberra air disaster
Street family