Ernest George Keegan OAM (16 September 1928 – 25 November 2008) was an Australian politician. He served as an independent member for Newcastle in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 19 March 1988 to 3 May 1991.

George Keegan
Member of the New South Wales Parliament
for Newcastle
In office
19 March 1988 – 3 May 1991
Preceded byArthur Wade
Succeeded byBryce Gaudry
Personal details
Born16 September 1928
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Died25 November 2008
Lake Macquarie Private Hospital
Gateshead, New South Wales, Australia
Political partyIndependent
Spouse(s)Laurel Woollett (Div.)
Jeanette Ballard
Children2 sons and 2 step-daughters.

Keegan attended Adamstown Primary School and Cooks Hill High Schoolfor secondary schooling. Before entering politics, Keegan was a self-employed real estate agent and licensed valuer.[1]

Keegan sought and won by a 5.3% margin the extremely safe Labor party seat of Newcastle at the 1988 New South Wales state election which saw the landslide defeat of the Barrie Unsworth Labor Government which had collectively been in power for well over a decade. He sought re-election at the 1991 New South Wales state election however was defeated by the new Labor candidate.

Keegan had two sons from his first marriage to Laurel Woollett, and at the time of his death was married to Jeanette Ballard and also had two stepdaughters. He was a foundation member of the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club. Keegan died on 25 November 2008 in the Newcastle suburb of Gateshead, New South Wales after a severe heart attack the week before.[2] His funeral was held at Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral and was attended by some 700 mourners.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ "Mr Ernest George Keegan". Former members of the Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  2. ^ a b "Australian Breaking News Headlines & World News Online | SMH.com.au". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 August 2021.

 

New South Wales Legislative Assembly
Preceded by Member for Newcastle
1988–1991
Succeeded by