Downing, Robert Reginald, 1904 –

Robert Reginald Downing (1904- ), was educated at Tumut convent school, St. Patrick's College, Goulburn and the University of Sydney where he graduated Bachelor of Laws (1938). Before studying law Downing worked as a labourer and was an organiser and state president of the Australian Textile Workers' Union. In 1943 he was admitted to the NSW Bar and appointed a Queens Council in 1972.

Downing was a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1940-1972). He was appointed Attorney General (1956-1965), Minister of Justice (1941-1960), vice-president of the Executive Council (1941-1965) and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council (1965-1972).