Labor History Quiz: January

 I was born in 1891, the year the Labor Party was born. This was appropriate, as I was to become a prominent identity in it.

I worked as a boilermaker, became well-known as a footballer and boxer, and immersed myself in the labour movement. In 1915 I was state secretary of the boilermakers’ union. 

By then the First World War, with its immense tensions for the labour movement, was in full swing. The conscription split was devastating. A feature of it was my electoral battle with an ex-ALP defector, an old friend who had been the first Labor premier of New South Wales. My victory in this 1917 contest for the state seat of Redfern started my long parliamentary career.

I was a minister in governments led by Jack Lang, succeeded him as ALP leader in NSW, and led the party back to government in 1941. The contrast between the barren pre-1941 period and our achievements in office was stark.

In 1947 I resigned as premier and accepted another appointment. A revered Labor identity had offered it to me. Still, it was an unusual position for someone of my background, and an appointment that was not without controversy. I served in this new post for six years. 

I died in 1985 after a long and fulfilling life.   

Questions and Answers

Who was I? Bill McKell

What was the controversial 1947 appointment? Governor-General of Australia

Which revered Labor identity offered it to me? Ben Chifley

When I won Redfern in 1917 who was my opponent (previously the first Labor premier of NSW)? Jim McGowen

January Winners

All four correct:

Trevor Scroop, Greenacres SA

Huw Phillips, Helensburgh NSW

Morris Allen, Eden Hills SA

Kathleen Vagne, Tamworth NSW

Brian Cullen, Carlton VIC

Robert Bozinovski, Keilor Downs VIC

Meryl Dillon, Mooree NSW

Blake Osmond, Wollongong NSW

Philip Lee, Kambah ACT 

Niall Johnson, 

Adrian Ryan,Westleigh NSW

Leeann Loosmore, Launceston TAS

Kim Pagan, NSW

Sean Leader, Waterford West QLD 

Brian McInnes, Leura NSW

Cindy O'Connor, Brunswick VIC,

John Brain, Evatt, ACT 

Charles Richardson, Templestowe VIC

Shane Bonetti, Forest Hill VIC

Lyn Knorr Woodend VIC

David White, Ferntree Gully VIC

Greg Clark, Arncliffe NSW

Chris Roberts, Ararat VIC

Chris Bollmeyer, Grange SA

Matthew Rayner, Campbelltown NSW

Lorie Werner, Box Hill South VIC 

At least one correct:

Veronica Naylon, Smythesdale VIC

Greg Allan, Eaglehawk VIC