1959 Cook's River state by-election explained

A by-election was held for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly seat of Cook's River on Saturday, 12 December 1959 and was triggered by the death in office of the Premier of New South Wales, Joseph Cahill .[1]

The seat was subsequently retained for the Labor Party by his eldest son Tom.[2] [3] Despite Cook's River being a safe Labor seat, the Liberal Party fielded a candidate, John Bampton, a soap manufacturer.[4] The Labor primary vote improved by 1.6% compared to the previous year's general election.[5] The Communist Party of Australia stood Wal Buckley, an organiser for the Amalgamated Engineering Union, but only gained 4.6% of the vote.[6] [7]

Results

Joseph Cahill died. The Labor Party retained the seat on an improved margin, which was nonetheless significant due to the large personal vote for Cahill and sympathy after his death which was then carried by his son.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Mr John Joseph Cahill (1891 - 1959) . Yes . 5 May 2019 . 1513.
  2. Mr Thomas James Cahill (1924-1983) . 1833 . Yes. 13 May 2019 .
  3. News: Mr. Tom Cahill Wins A.L.P. Preselection Ballot . . 23 November 1959 . 20 April 2018 . 8 . Trove.
  4. News: Liberals to oppose late Premier's son . The Canberra Times . 24 November 1959 . 20 April 2018 . 3 . Trove.
  5. 1959 Cook's River . 1959 . CooksRiver . 1 September 2019.
  6. News: Communist candidate opens campaign for Cook's River . Tribune . 2 December 1959 . 20 April 2018 . 3 . Trove.
  7. News: Communist vote up in Cook's River . Tribune . 16 December 1959 . 20 April 2018 . 3 . Trove.