Edward Brooker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Brooker
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| 31st Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 19 December 1947 – 24 February 1948 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Cosgrove |
| Succeeded by | Robert Cosgrove |
| Constituency | Franklin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 January 1891 London, England, UK |
| Died | 18 June 1948 (aged 57) Montrose, Tasmania, Australia |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Spouse | Lydia Grace Minnie Wilson |
| Residences | Montrose, Tasmania |
William Edward Brooker (born 4 January 1891 – died 18 June 1948) was an important politician from the Labor Party. He became the leader of Tasmania (called the Premier) for a short time. This happened on 19 December 1947, when the usual Premier, Robert Cosgrove, stepped aside. Edward Brooker passed away on 18 June 1948, not long after Robert Cosgrove returned to lead Tasmania on 24 February 1948.
Edward Brooker's Early Life and Military Service
Edward Brooker was born in Hendon, which is a part of London, England. He went to school at Enfield Grammar School. His first job was working as a clerk for a company called Asiatic Petroleum. Later, he helped manage his father's business.
During his youth, Brooker was part of the Territorial Force. This was a group of volunteers who served in the British Army. It was similar to today's Territorial Army. When World War I started, he served as a soldier. He worked with the Royal Army Medical Corps in places like Gallipoli, Thessaloniki, and Palestine.
After the war, in 1919, Brooker left the army as a sergeant. He married Lydia Wilson in London. In 1921, he and his family moved to Australia because they were offered free travel. Edward, Lydia, and their baby arrived in Melbourne on 31 August 1921. They soon moved to Tasmania. There, he worked on a farm and then as a pipe-fitter. This job was at the Cadbury's Chocolate Factory in Claremont.
Edward Brooker's Political Journey
Because he worked as a fitter, Edward Brooker was a member of a workers' union. This union was called the Amalgamated Engineering Union. He then joined the Labor Party. He first tried to become a member of parliament for the area of Franklin but didn't win.
Inspired by a movement called Social Credit, Brooker tried again for Franklin in 1934. This time, he won! He became a Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) on 9 June 1934. In the House of Assembly, he first served as the Government Whip from 1936 to 1939. This role helps make sure party members vote together.
Later, he joined the government's main team, called the cabinet. He worked with Premier Robert Cosgrove.
- From 1939 to 1942, he was the Minister for Transport.
- From 1939 to 1943, he was the Chief Secretary.
- From 1942 to 1943, he was the Minister for Tourism.
In November 1943, he became the Minister for Land and Works. In 1946, he also took on the role of Post-War Reconstruction. This meant he helped plan how Tasmania would rebuild after the war.
In December 1947, the Premier, Robert Cosgrove, stepped aside from his role. This was because he was facing serious questions about his actions. Edward Brooker then became the Premier to lead the government during this time. He was sworn in on 19 December 1947. The situation with Cosgrove was resolved by February the next year, and the questions against him were dropped. Brooker stepped down after only two months as Premier. Cosgrove was then able to return to his role. When Cosgrove came back, he made Brooker the Treasurer and Minister for Transport.
Just four months after he stopped being Premier, Edward Brooker passed away. He died at his home in Montrose on 18 June 1948. He had a serious lung condition called a pulmonary oedema.
Edward Brooker's Legacy
There is a major road in Hobart called the Northern Outlet. Edward Brooker first thought of the idea for this road when he was the transport minister. To honor him and his work, this highway was later renamed the Brooker Highway.
