Robert Funnell

Background

Funnell was born in the Tweed River area of New South Wales, to parents John Funnell, farmer, and his wife Mary Ann (née Petrie) and came to Queensland at an early age.

Career

They first settled in Woombye before moving to Brisbane where he received his state primary education. After leaving school, Funnell worked as a station hand, shearer, and sugar worker before becoming an organiser with the Australian Workers" Union. In this role, he represented the union at state meetings and conventions and was also a delegate to the Queensland Central Eexecutive.

He later relinquished that position to open fruit businesses in Brisbane.

Achievements

• Funnell retained the seat for Labor as the party won back government after three years in opposition.

Politics

After losing a party plebiscite for the seat of Ithaca, Funnell was chosen to be the Australian Labor Party candidate for the seat of Brisbane at the 1932 state election, defeating the long-standing member, Mick Kirwan.

Membership

He held the seat until his death in 1936, and during his term he had been a member of the Public Works Committee.