Background
Oxley was the eldest son of the noted explorer and colonial surveyor-general, John Oxley.
Oxley was the eldest son of the noted explorer and colonial surveyor-general, John Oxley.
He was educated at The King"s School, Parramatta and undertook a grand tour of Europe between 1842 and 1845. On his return to Australia he farmed his father"s property "Kirkham Estate" initially growing lucerne but later converting to cereal crops. In 1856 Oxley was elected unopposed as one of the two members for West Camden in the first New South Wales Legislative Assembly under responsible government.
His parliamentary performance was uninspiring and he did not hold office.
He was defeated at the next election in 1858. One further attempt to re-enter parliament in 1859 was also unsuccessful.
He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for one term between 1856 and 1857.