Ron Elstob facts for kids

Ronald Charles Elstob (born November 29, 1924 – died March 16, 2023) was an important Australian politician. He was a Senator for South Australia for nine years. He worked for the Australian Labor Party (ALP). Before becoming a politician, he worked on the docks as a waterside worker. He was also a leader in a workers' group called a trade union.

Ron Elstob's Early Life

Ron Elstob was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, on November 29, 1924. He was one of three children. He started school at Toowoomba East State School. In 1938, his family moved to Sydney, New South Wales. There, his parents ran a hotel in a place called Newtown.

Serving His Country in War

In 1942, Ron Elstob joined the US Army Small Ships Section. This group used small boats, mostly run by Australian civilians. He helped deliver supplies to places like Milne Bay and Port Moresby in New Guinea.

A Dangerous Time

One day, his ship was sunk by a Japanese Zero fighter plane. He was stuck at Finschhafen and could not go back to Australia. Instead, he became a coastwatcher. This job meant he had to watch for enemy movements. Ron Elstob later said his life was always in danger. He had to take strong actions to stay alive. During this time, he was shot in the ankle and lost one of his eyes.

Working Life After the War

After the war ended, Ron Elstob became a salesman. He traveled around selling equipment. Later, he settled in Adelaide, South Australia. He worked at Port Adelaide as a crane driver on the docks.

Joining the Workers' Union

In 1949, he joined the Waterside Workers' Federation of Australia. This was a union for people who worked on the docks. He became a vice-president of the Port Adelaide branch. He also represented his union at the Trades and Labour Council.

Becoming a Politician

Ron Elstob joined the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in 1939. He was part of the East Sydney branch. After moving to South Australia, he joined the Hindmarsh branch. He became a leader there. He also attended the ALP state conference.

Elected as a Senator

In December 1976, Ron Elstob was chosen by the ALP to run for the Senate. He was elected in the 1977 federal election. His term as a Senator began on July 1, 1978. He was elected again in the 1983 election.

His Work in the Senate

As a Senator, Ron Elstob led two important groups. He chaired the Standing Committee on Social Welfare. He also chaired the Publications Committee. He had to retire from politics in the 1987 election. This was because of the ALP's rules for choosing candidates.

Later Life and Legacy

Ron Elstob married Angela Smerlac in 1949. They had two daughters together. He was also a black-belt in taekwondo. After leaving the Senate, he retired to Mountain Creek, Queensland.

Ron Elstob passed away on March 16, 2023. He was 98 years old.