In March 1940 , Fadden was named a minister without portfolio in the government of Robert Menzies , who led the United Australia Party in a coalition with the Country Party . A few months later , following the deaths of three senior ministers in an air crash , he took over as Minister for Air and Minister for Civil Aviation . In October 1940 , Fadden replaced Harold Thorby as deputy leader of the Country Party . The leadership was vacant at the time , following Archie Cameron 's resignation , so Fadden became acting leader of the party and '' de facto '' deputy prime minister . Menzies subsequently promoted him to Treasurer of Australia
an air crash
1940 Canberra air disaster
Arthur Fadden