Background
Courtice was born at Mount Perry, Queensland, to parents Francis Courtice, labourer, and Elizabeth (née Hamilton) and educated at Bundaberg State School.
Courtice was born at Mount Perry, Queensland, to parents Francis Courtice, labourer, and Elizabeth (née Hamilton) and educated at Bundaberg State School.
When the Labour Party starting forming governments in Queensland, it found much of its legislation being blocked by a hostile Council, where members had been appointed for life by successive conservative governments. After a failed referendum in May 1917, Premier Ryan tried a new tactic, and later that year advised the Governor, Sir Hamilton John Goold-Adams, to appoint thirteen new members whose allegiance lay with Labour to the Council. Courtice was one of the thirteen new members, and went on to serve for four and a half years until the Council was abolished in March 1922.
He also served on the Barolin and Woongarra Shire Council, and was it"s chairman for 23 years.
Courtice was also a member of many boards including: The Bundaberg Harbour and Abattoir Boards, The Burnett Bridge Board, Trustee of the Bundaberg cemetery, Committee member of the Barolin State School, Member of the Millaquin Suppliers, The Cane Prices Board, Canegrowers" Executive, Cane Pests and Diseases Board.
