Austin William Russell Lewis was born in Melbourne on 5 December 1932. He was educated at Melbourne High School and graduated with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from the Melbourne University.  In 1956 he was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Victoria.
 
Senator Lewis was chosen by the Parliament of Victoria on 7 December 1976 under section 15 of the Constitution to represent that State in the Senate, vice the Hon I.J. Greenwood, QC (deceased).  He was elected in 1980 (term began 1.7.81), 1983 and 1987. He has served on numerous parliamentary committees (see Related Agencies entries).
 
Senator Lewis was a member of the Parliamentary Delegation to the South Pacific, July-August 1983, Commonwealth Parliamentary Delegation to the Australian Constitutional Convention, Brisbane July 1985, member 32nd CPA Conference, London, September-October 1986.
 
Senator Lewis has held parliamentary party positions as Member, Opposition Shadow Ministry from 14.12.84 to 14.2.90, Spokesman for Territories from 14.12.84 to 21.4.87; on Local Government and Territories from 21.4.87 to 14.8.87; on Veterans' Affairs from 1.5.87 to 14.8.87; on Industry, Technology and Commerce from 14.8.87 to 16.9.88; on Communications from 16.9.88 to 12.5.89; on  Industry, Technology and Commerce from 12.5.89 to  28.10.89; on the Australian Capital Territory from 11.6.89 to 14.2.90.  He was Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from 17.7.87 to 14.2.90 and Co-ordinator for Transition to Government from 28.10.89 to 14.2.90.
 
Other positions held by Mr Lewis include:
 
Chairman, Liberal Party Warrnambool
Branch and Electorate Committee 1969-76
and Wannon Electorate Committee 1974-76
Delegate, Liberal Party State Council (Vic) 1970-76
Member, Liberal Party State Executive (Vic) 1973-1976
 
Sources:
 
Parliamentary Handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia, 25th Edition, 1991, p.147