Holt 's brief military career came to an end as a result of the Canberra air disaster on 13 August , which killed three senior government ministers . Menzies called an early general election for 21 September , which resulted in a hung parliament and a UAP – Country minority government . Holt was given leave from the army to campaign , and won re-election with a large majority . Menzies subsequently asked him to return to cabinet , to which he agreed . Holt was sworn in as Minister for Labour and National Service on 28 October , and formally resigned from the army the same day . He was placed in charge of the new Department of Labour and National Service , which took over most of the responsibilities of the previous Department of Industry . He also became a member of the bipartisan Advisory War Council , although he personally favoured the establishment of a national unity government with the Labor Party
Canberra air disaster
1940 Canberra air disaster
Harold Holt