Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister of Australia from both 1939 to 1941 and 1949 to 1966.

In his career, he played a central role in the creation of the Liberal Party of Australia. Serving over 18 years, Menzies is Australia's longest-serving prime minister.

On 22 May 1942 he made his now-famous 'The Forgotten People' speech defining and exalting Australia’s middle class as the 'backbone of Australia'.

For Great Australian Speeches, Robert Menzies's 'The Forgotten People' is read by Mark Coles Smith.