**early life and politics** thomas francis mead, an australian politician and journalist, left an indelible mark on the country's political landscape. born on may 4, 1918, in randwick, new south wales, mead was the son of a horse trainer, robert george mead, and lilian margaret ryan. **the politician** mead's foray into politics began with his election as a member of the new south wales legislative assembly, representing the seat of hurstville for the liberal party. he retained this position for four terms until the 1976 election, when kevin ryan led the return to labor. **the journalist and…