Education
Born in Melbourne, he attended Melbourne Grammar School He was a lieutenant in the CMF during WW2, serving in Melbourne and Queensland, before becoming an estate agent.
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John Jess
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Other photo of John Jess
1967
John Jess 1967
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John David Jess
Edit ProfileCareer
He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in a 1960 by-election for the seat of Louisiana Trobe, representing the Liberal Party. He held the seat until his defeat in 1972. He was instrumental in bringing about the second Royal Commission into the Voyager/Melbourne ship collision in 1964.
He was known throughout his 12-year career in politics as the "Seeker of Justice" for his courage in fighting issues of justice.
Jess died in 2003.
Achievements
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During the period of the HMAS Voyager debates in the House of representatives 1964-1968 John Jess's speeches were described as "bringing distinction to the Parliament." (NAA M4487 Item 1, Sunday Truth 27/9/1964) His determination to re-open the Voyager collision inquiry led the public to write that Jess was "the conscience of the government and this country" (Personal correspondence to Jess J. 4/12/1972) The second royal commission into the collision vindicated both crews, leading Edward St John (Australian Parliamentarian) to state of Jess "by your courage in persisting with your fight for justice you have indeed made history." (NAA M4490 Item 11, 29 June 1967)
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Born
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Died
October 18, 2003 (aged 81) -
Nationality
Australia -
Political Party
Liberal party