History: Ben Chifley

Joseph Benedict Chifley was one of the Kurrajong's most well known residents. Born in Bathurst in 1885, Chifley rose to power as a Labor Party politician in the 1930s and 1940s.

At 17 years of age, Chifley joined the NSW Government Railways, starting work as a shop boy and working his way up through the ranks of engine-cleaner and fireman. In 1912 he was promoted to locomotive driver, becoming the youngest driver in New South Wales.

Chifley married Elizabeth Gibson McKenzie in 1914. Mrs. Chifley spent most of her time in Bathurst and rarely came to Canberra, even when her husband became Prime Minister.

Chifley became a union leader during the great New South Wales strikes of 1916 and 1917. When the strike failed, Chifley was fired. After an appeal he was reinstated, but was given a demotion. The experience had a profound effect on Chifley's life, strengthening his commitment to defend the working man.

Chifley was elected to represent Macquarie in the Federal Parliament for the first time in 1928. He lost the seat in 1931 but regained it in 1940, holding it until his death in 1951. He served as the Minister for Defence and Assistant to the Treasurer for 10 months of the Scullin Government in 1931. He served as a Treasurer from 1942 to 1945. In 1945, he was elected Prime Minister, holding that office until 1949 when he became Leader of Opposition.

From 1940 to 1951, Chifley lived at the Hotel Kurrajong, where he was known as a kind yet reserved man. A former cook recalls how Chifley gave him his extra petrol ration coupons during World War II. A former waitress tells of him preferring crispy bacon and using entire pack of matches for his pipe during breakfast.

On the night of June 13, 1951, other Members of Parliament celebrated the 50 years of Federation at a gala State ball in Old Parliament House. Chifley did not attend in order to work in his room at the Hotel Kurrajong where he suffered the massive heart attack that would end his life. When Chifley arrived at Canberra Hospital he was already dead.

When word of Chifley's death reached fellow Parliamentarians celebrating the Golden Jubilee, the band stopped playing, grieving colleagues left the ball and the party ended.