Results of the 1949 Australian federal election (House of Representatives)

The 1949 Australian federal election, held on 10 December 1949, saw the Liberal-Country Party coalition, led by Robert Menzies, defeat the incumbent Australian Labor Party government, led by Prime Minister Ben Chifley. This election marked a significant turning point in Australian political history, ending Labor's continuous period in office since 1941 and initiating a 23-year period of Coalition government.

The primary outcome of the election was a change in government. The Liberal Party gained a substantial majority, largely attributed to Menzies' strong leadership and the Coalition's platform focusing on anti-communism, private enterprise, and social service expansion. The Country Party also increased its representation, contributing to the overall Coalition victory.

Labor suffered a significant swing against them, losing a substantial number of seats. Key factors contributing to Labor's defeat included ongoing industrial unrest, Chifley's attempts to nationalize banks, and the growing Cold War atmosphere which fueled fears of communist influence. The electoral redistribution prior to the election also disadvantaged the Labor Party.

Following the election, Robert Menzies became Prime Minister. The new government embarked on a program of economic reform, expanded social services, and strengthened ties with the United States. The election had a lasting impact on Australian politics, shaping the political landscape for decades to come.

A detailed breakdown of the seat distribution, vote percentages, and individual electorate results are available in official Australian Electoral Commission reports and historical political archives. Further research can be conducted using these resources to explore the nuances and regional variations of the 1949 election results.