Until the 1940 Canberra air disaster on 13 August , Menzies was not planning an election so early , as it was not due until December 1940 or even as late as January 1941 . However , the loss of three Cabinet ministers meant that three by-elections would have been required , followed within a few short months by a general election . Bringing the general election on earlier than planned was the preferred solution
1940 Canberra air disaster
1940 Canberra air disaster
1940 Australian federal election