Heffron, Robert James, 1890 – 1978

Robert James Heffron (1890-1978), labourer, trade unionist, parliamentarian and Premier of NSW, was born at Thames, New Zealand, son of Michael and Ellen Heffron. He worked as a miner in NZ and the USA, returning to NZ in 1912 at which time he became involved in a miners' strike and the union movement. He moved to Melbourne, Victoria, around 1917 and moved to Sydney in 1921.

Heffron was elected the Labor member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Botany (1930-1950) and Maroubra (1950-1968). He was Minister for National Emergency Services (1941-1944), Minister for Education (1944-1960), Deputy Premier (1952-1959), Minister for Mines (1953) and Premier (1959-1964). [ref:ADB 14]