Ferguson, Laurie John, 1924 – 2002

Laurie John (Jack) Ferguson (1924-2002), labourer, trade unionist and parliamentarian, was born at Zetland, Sydney, son of Jack and Mary Ferguson. He was educated at Marist Brothers, Parramatta, and worked as a farm hand, builder's labourer and textile worker before serving in the AIF from 1942 to 1946. After the war he worked as a bricklayer before becoming involved in the BWIU.

Ferguson joined the Australian Labor Party in 1946 and was an alderman on Parramatta Municipal Council (1954-1959). He was elected a Labor Party member in the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Merrylands (1959-1962), Fairfield (1962-1968) and Merrylands (1968-1984). Ferguson was appointed minister for Works, Ports and Housing (1976-1977) and Public Works and Ports (1977-1984). Ferguson was Deputy Premier of NSW (1976-1984) and was Acting Premier of NSW for a brief period on two separate occasions in 1978 and 1979.