Jack Pizzey facts for kids
Jack Charles Allan Pizzey (born February 2, 1911 – died July 31, 1968) was an important politician from Queensland, Australia. He belonged to the Country Party. He became the Premier of Queensland on January 17, 1968. He worked with the Liberal Party. Sadly, he passed away on July 31, 1968, while still in office. He was the last Premier of an Australian state to die while serving.
Quick facts for kids
Jack Pizzey
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| 29th Premier of Queensland | |
| In office 17 January – 31 July 1968 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor | Alan Mansfield |
| Deputy | Gordon Chalk |
| Preceded by | Frank Nicklin |
| Succeeded by | Gordon Chalk |
| Leader of the Country Party in Queensland | |
| In office 17 January – 31 July 1968 |
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| Preceded by | Frank Nicklin |
| Succeeded by | Joh Bjelke-Petersen |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly for Isis |
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| In office 29 April 1950 – 31 July 1968 |
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| Preceded by | William Brand |
| Succeeded by | Jim Blake |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jack Charles Allan Pizzey
2 February 1911 Childers, Queensland, Australia |
| Died | 31 July 1968 (aged 57) Chermside, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Political party | Country |
| Spouse | Mabel Audrey Kingston |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Occupation | Teacher |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Australia |
| Branch/service |  Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | Australian Imperial Force, 5th Field Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Contents
Jack Pizzey's Early Life and Sports
Jack Pizzey was born in Childers, Queensland in 1911. He went to school in Childers, Maryborough, and Bundaberg. He started his career as a student teacher in 1927. Later, he taught at schools in Childers and Brisbane.
As a young person, Jack was very active in sports. He played tennis and rugby union. He was especially good at cricket. In 1929, he was chosen to play for the Queensland Colts cricket team. He was almost selected to play for the main Queensland state team in 1931. However, the match was cancelled due to rain.
Military Service in World War II
On July 15, 1940, Jack Pizzey joined the Citizens Military Force. This was a reserve unit of the Australian Army. He later became a Captain. He then joined the Second Australian Imperial Force, which was Australia's main fighting force during World War II.
During the war, he served in Australia. He worked as a quartermaster in the 5th Field Regiment. He was discharged from the army in January 1945. While serving in Australia, he continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Queensland in 1942.
Jack Pizzey's Political Career
After leaving the army, Jack Pizzey went back to teaching. By 1946, he was involved in adult education in Queensland. In 1949, he left the Department of Public Instruction. He then started working to help sugar cane farmers. He managed the Childers Cane Farmers' Co-Operative. He also served as secretary for the Isis District Cane Growers' Executive.
This work with farmers encouraged him to enter politics. In 1950, he successfully ran for parliament. He won the seat of Isis in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland. This seat was a safe one for the Country Party.
Becoming a Minister
In 1957, there was a big change in Queensland politics. The Labor Party government fell apart. This led to an election. The Coalition of the Country Party and the Liberal Party won a huge victory. It was their first win in 22 years.
Because of his background in education, Jack Pizzey was given an important job. He became the Minister for Education in Frank Nicklin's government. He kept this job for more than ten years. He was also the deputy leader of the Country Party. He took on other roles too. He was in charge of migration from 1960 to 1968. He also looked after Aboriginal and Islander affairs and police matters from 1962 to 1968.
Impact on Education
As Education Minister, Jack Pizzey oversaw a time of great growth. This was especially true for secondary education (high schools). He played a key role in starting Queensland's second university. This was James Cook University in Townsville, which opened in 1961.
He was praised for focusing on high school education. However, his strong actions in education also led to the first teachers' strike in Brisbane in 1968. In 1962, the University of Queensland gave him an honorary doctorate degree. This was to recognize his important work in education.
Premier of Queensland
Frank Nicklin retired as Premier and party leader on January 17, 1968. Jack Pizzey then took over both of these important roles. He became the Premier of Queensland.
However, just over six months after becoming Premier, Jack Pizzey died suddenly. He passed away in Brisbane from a heart attack on July 31, 1968. He was given a State funeral at St John's Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane. He was later cremated.
After Pizzey's death, Gordon Chalk, the leader of the Liberal Party, became Premier for a week. Then, the Country Party chose its new leader, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, who became the next Premier.
Jack Pizzey Cup
The Jack Pizzey Cup is a special prize for a national schools tennis competition. Jack Pizzey himself donated the cup in 1963. At that time, he was the Education Minister. This cup replaced the Bruce Cup, which then became a prize for primary school competitions.
The Jack Pizzey Cup was meant to be a national competition. However, for many years, only Queensland and New South Wales competed for it. In 1978, it became a true national competition. This happened when it was played alongside the Federation Cup in Melbourne. The Pizzey Cup is still the national schools championship competition today.
Legacy and Memorials
Jack Pizzey is remembered in several ways. There is a Pizzey Memorial Clock in his hometown of Childers.
He is also honored by the Pizzey Park Sporting Complex. This large sports complex was built on a 26-hectare site in 1969. It is located on the Gold Coast.
