Ask the Memphian: How did an Australian prime minister lose his pants in Memphis?
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser on Jan. 31, 1980, when he met President Jimmy Carter at the White House in Washington. Fraser was Australia’s prime minister from 1975 to 1983. (AP file)
David Wayne Brown was attending what was supposed to be a breakfast speech by a former Australian prime minister when he got the tip that led to a scandal Down Under and a laugh in Memphis.
On the morning of Oct. 14, 1986, Malcolm Fraser — who had been Australia’s prime minister from 1975 to 1983 — was supposed to follow his talk from the night before with a breakfast speech to the Economic Club of Memphis over eggs and bacon.
Except Fraser didn’t show. Club officials checked his room. They checked the golf course. The eggs and bacon grew cold, and no one could find Fraser.
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Admiral Benbow Inn Malcolm Fraser crime Ask the Memphian Subscriber Only2025 is almost over. Now is the time to support your trusted local news source.
Will you help us reach more Memphians with quality, in-depth local news? Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization, today.
Thank you for keeping up with what’s happening in Memphis. Thank you for investing in our community’s trusted local news source.
Jody Callahan
Jody Callahan graduated with degrees in journalism and economics from what is now known as the University of Memphis. He has covered news in Memphis for more than 25 years.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.