Phillip (later Sir Phillip) Reginald Lynch was born in Kew, Melbourne on 27 July 1933. He was educated at Kew State School, Marist Brothers College (Hawthorn), Xavier College and the University of Melbourne, gaining a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma of Education. 

Whilst at university, Lynch became involved in politics. He was State President of the Victorian Young Liberal Movement and stood unsuccessfully as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Scullin. He served in the University of Melbourne Squadron of the Citizen Air Force and was a Pilot Officer with the Citizen Air Force Reserve. A secondary school teacher (1956-57), then a company director and management consultant, Lynch was also active in the Jaycees movement, including as National President of the Australian Jaycees (1966). He represented Victoria five times in the Australian Debating Championships.

Lynch was elected to the House of Representatives in November 1966, as the Liberal member for Flinders. In the Gorton Government, he was appointed Minister for the Army (1968-69) and, subsequently, Minister for Immigration and Minister assisting the Treasurer (1969-71). In the McMahon Ministry, he held the portfolio of Labour and National Service and was a member of Cabinet (1971-72).

Following the defeat of the Liberal Coalition Government in December 1972, Lynch became Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party, a position he retained until 1982. He was also Vice-President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Executive (1972-75), a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry and spokesman on economic affairs (1974-75).

In November 1975, Lynch was appointed Treasurer in the Fraser 'Caretaker' Government. The position was confirmed when the Government was returned to office at the election of 13 December that year. Lynch remained Treasurer until appointed Minister for Industry and Commerce (1977-82). He resigned his portfolio on 11 October 1982, and from Parliament later the same month, following abdominal surgery. 

Throughout his political career, Lynch served on only two Parliamentary committees, those relating to House of Representatives Printing (1967-68) and Standing Orders (1973-75). He made numerous official visits overseas, however, including attending the enthronements of both Pope Paul I (September 1978) and Pope Paul II (October 1978).

After leaving federal politics, Lynch was a Board member of the Reserve Bank for a short period (1983-84). He had also been a member of the State Executive of the Victorian Division of the Liberal Party and a member of the Victorian Executive and Victorian Council of the Liberal Party; a Fellow of the Institute of Management and of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Executives; and an Honorary Member of the Institute of Personnel Management.
 
Sir Phillip Lynch was appointed a member of Her Majesty's Privy Council (PC) in 1977 and a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 1981. He died in Victoria on 19 June 1984.
 

Sources

1. Who's Who in Australia 1968 p 545; 1980, pp 535-6; 1983, p 540
2. Australian Parliamentary Handbook 1976, pp 106-7; 1982, pp 126-8; 1984, p 219
3. The Canberra Times, 12 October 1982, pp 1-2
4. Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No S 210, 11 October 1982, p 1.