Hon Phillip Collier, MLA
- Position
- Premier
- Postnominals
- Member Legislative Assembly
- Committee group
- Executive (chair)
- Year of death
- 1948
- Plaque number
- FA2
- Dedicated by
- Kings Park Board on 29 September 1929
- More information
Biography abstract:
Mr Phillip Collier (21/4/1873 - 18/10/1948) was born at Woodstock, Victoria and spent his early years in Victorian mining centres, where he became interested in politics and started an association with Labor. He was much influenced by Frank Anstey, as was John Curtin.
He married in 1901 and, attracted by gold discoveries, he came to Boulder, WA in 1904. He became associated with the Miners Union and won the seat of Boulder in the Legislative Assembly in 1905. He retained his seat for a record 40 years.
In 1911 when Labor won government, Collier became Minister for Mines and Railways, and three years later had the folio of Railways and Water Supply. In a split in the party over conscription, Mr Collier was elected leader of the opposition when the previous leader left.
He was considered a brilliant speaker and strong in debate. In 1924, Collier led the party to victory and was Premier until Labor's defeat in 1930. In 1938 he led Government again but resigned on the grounds of ill health.
It was said at the time "Mr Collier has been one of the outstanding figures, if not the most outstanding in Australian politics in the past 10 years... at Premiers' Conferences his work on behalf of this State has been outstanding."
The Honourable Phillip Collier MLA, at the time of his death in 1948, had the record as the longest terms ever as ALP Parliamentary leader - 19 years and ALP Premier for 9 years.
Mr Collier was Chairperson for the Executive group of the Western Australian Centenary Committee in 1929.