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Biographical entry Heffron, Robert James (1890 - 1978)

Born
1890
Thames, New Zealand
Died
1978
Occupation
Politician - State - NSW (MLA or MLC), Trade Union - Organiser and Trade Union - Official

Summary

Heffron left New Zealand for Melbourne in 1917 and in 1919 was appointed organiser for the Federated Clothing Trades of the Commonwealth of Australia. He moved to Sydney in 1921 as Secretary of the New South Wales branch of the Federated Marine Stewards' and Pantrymen's Association of Australasia. Heffron entered state politics as the member for Botany and was part of a growing Anti-Lang movement which culminated in the formation of a breakaway party known as the Industrial Labor Party in 1936. This party was subsequently recognised as the official Labor Party. Heffron held several ministerial positions under Premiers McKell and Cahill. In 1959 he was elected leader unopposed upon Premier Cahill's sudden death and remained Premier until his resignation in 1964.

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Published resources

Book Sections

  • Carr, Robert, 'Robert Heffron', in Ritchie, John (ed.), Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 14, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne, 1996, pp. 427-429. Details

Ross G. Elford

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