James Dooley (Australian politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Dooley
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| 21st Premier of New South Wales Election: 1922 |
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| In office 5 October 1921 – 20 December 1921 |
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| Preceded by | John Storey |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Fuller |
| In office 20 December 1921 – 13 April 1922 |
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| Preceded by | Sir George Fuller |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Fuller |
| Constituency | Hartley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Thomas Dooley
26 April 1877 Ballymahon, County Longford, Ireland |
| Died | 2 January 1950 (aged 72) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Spouse | Kate Rodé Trundle |
James Thomas Dooley (born April 26, 1877 – died January 2, 1950) was an important Australian politician. He briefly served two times as the leader, or Premier, of New South Wales in the early 1920s. He was a member of the Labor Party and worked hard for the people of New South Wales.
Early Life and Education
James Dooley was born in a small place called Curracreehan in County Longford, Ireland. His family were farmers. When he was about 8 years old, he moved to Brisbane, Australia. He went to school there until he was twelve. Then, he started working as a helper in a fabric shop, known as a draper. Later, he learned to be a tailor.
Even while working, James kept learning. He went to evening classes and joined a group that liked to read and debate. This helped him become a good speaker. He also joined the Labor Party, which was a political group that aimed to help working people. Around 1901, he worked in different parts of New South Wales before settling in Lithgow, New South Wales. He married Kate Rodé Trundle in 1905.
Starting in Politics
In 1907, James Dooley was elected to the New South Wales Parliament. He represented the area called Hartley. At that time, he was the youngest member of the Parliament, which was a big achievement! From 1920 to 1927, he represented a different area called Bathurst.
In 1916, some members of the Labor Party were removed because of disagreements about conscription (forcing people to join the army). James Dooley then became the deputy leader of the Labor Party. He worked closely with John Storey, who became the party leader.
Becoming Premier
After the 1920 election, the Labor Party had a difficult time forming a government. James Dooley was given important roles, becoming the Colonial Secretary and Minister for Housing. He was in charge of state businesses and the police.
James Dooley often acted as Premier when John Storey was away or sick. When John Storey sadly passed away in October 1921, James Dooley became the Premier of New South Wales.
His first time as Premier was very short. The government lost a vote in Parliament, and he had to resign. However, the next Premier, George Fuller, also couldn't keep a majority. So, James Dooley became Premier again just a few hours later! He then lost the next election in April 1922 to George Fuller.
Later Political Life
In 1923, James Dooley had a disagreement with some powerful people in his party and was temporarily removed. But he was allowed back into the Labor Party later that year. In August 1923, he stepped down as party leader, and Jack Lang took over.
From 1925 to 1927, when Jack Lang was Premier, James Dooley served as the Speaker of the Parliament. This meant he was in charge of making sure debates ran smoothly.
Later, James Dooley had more disagreements with the Labor Party leaders. He tried to run for Parliament as an independent candidate but was not successful. His first wife passed away in 1936, and he married Irene Mary Kenney in 1946. In his later years, he owned two hotels in Lithgow.
Death
James Dooley passed away on January 2, 1950, at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney. He was survived by his wife, son, and daughter. His funeral was held at St. Mary's Cathedral, and he was buried at Botany Cemetery on January 4, 1950.
