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Biographical entry Scaddan, John (1876 - 1934)

Born
1876
Moonta, South Australia
Died
1934
Occupation
Politician - State - WA (MLA or MLC)

Summary

Raised in South Australia and Victoria, Scadden worked as a steam engine driver in the Western Australian goldfields in the early 1900s. He'd been a member of the local engine drivers' union and a member of the Australian Labour Federation (Western Australia) before winning a seat in the Legislative Assembly in 1904. He became leader of the Labor Party in 1910 and led the party to victory in 1911. He was Premier of Western Australia until 1916 when he left the Labor Party over the conscription debate. He held various positions in subsequent National Party governments.

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Published resources

Book Sections

  • Robertson, J.R., 'John Scaddan', in Serle, Geoffrey (ed.), Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 11, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 1988, pp. 526-527. Details

Ross G. Elford

Created: 24 January 2002, Last modified: 25 January 2002