Division of West Sydney facts for kids

The Division of West Sydney was an important area in Australia's Parliament. It was a special "electoral division" in the state of New South Wales. This division covered the inner western parts of Sydney. Over time, it included suburbs like Pyrmont, Darling Harbour, Surry Hills, Balmain, and Glebe. From 1955 to 1969, even Lord Howe Island was part of it!

This division was created in 1900. It was one of the first 75 divisions to take part in Australia's very first federal election in 1901. The Division of West Sydney was eventually closed down on 21 November 1968. It was famous for being one of the four areas represented by Billy Hughes, who later became the eleventh Prime Minister of Australia. He was also the longest-serving member of the Australian Parliament. Another important person who represented West Sydney was T. J. Ryan, who had been the Premier of Queensland.

Who Represented West Sydney?

Key Members of Parliament

The Division of West Sydney was represented by several interesting politicians during its history. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Billy Hughes (1901–1917): Billy Hughes was a very important figure. He started as a member of the Labor Party. He served as a minister and later became the Prime Minister of Australia from 1915 to 1923. During his time, he changed parties a few times, moving to the National Labor Party and then the Nationalist Party. He later moved to represent a different area called Bendigo.

Billy Hughes, who served as Prime Minister of Australia.

• Con Wallace (1917–1919): Con Wallace was a member of the Labor Party. He represented West Sydney for a short time after Billy Hughes.

Con Wallace, a Labor Party representative.

• T. J. Ryan (1919–1921): T. J. Ryan was also a Labor Party member. Before coming to federal parliament, he was the Premier of Queensland. Sadly, he passed away while still in office.

T. J. Ryan, a former Premier of Queensland.

• William Lambert (1921–1928): William Lambert, from the Labor Party, took over after T. J. Ryan. He also passed away while serving in parliament.

William Lambert, who represented West Sydney.

• Jack Beasley (1928–1946): Jack Beasley was a long-serving member for West Sydney. He was part of the Labor Party, though he was also involved with different Labor groups during his time. He served as a minister under Prime Ministers Curtin, Forde, and Chifley. After leaving parliament, he became Australia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Jack Beasley, a long-serving representative for West Sydney.

• William O'Connor (1946–1949): William O'Connor was a Labor Party member who represented West Sydney for a few years before moving to represent the Division of Martin.

William O'Connor, a Labor Party member.

• Dan Minogue (1949–1969): Dan Minogue was the last person to represent West Sydney. He was a Labor Party member and retired when the division was abolished in 1969.

Dan Minogue, the last representative for West Sydney.

Images for kids

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  Billy Hughes, who served as Prime Minister of Australia.

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  Con Wallace, a Labor Party representative.

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  T. J. Ryan, a former Premier of Queensland.

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  William Lambert, who represented West Sydney.

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  Jack Beasley, a long-serving representative for West Sydney.

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  William O'Connor, a Labor Party member.

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  Dan Minogue, the last representative for West Sydney.