Education
In 1902, having attended the local Catholic school, he enlisted in the 5th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, to fight in the Boer War. However, by the time Collins"s unit arrived, the war had finished.
In 1902, having attended the local Catholic school, he enlisted in the 5th Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse, to fight in the Boer War. However, by the time Collins"s unit arrived, the war had finished.
Collins moved to Young in 1906, where in 1911 he began his own business, which prospered. In 1931, having built his firm, Collins, Ellerman & Company, to one of the largest stock and property businesses in New South Wales, he defeated Parker Moloney for the federal seat of Hume for the Country Party. He was never a significant parliamentarian, despite his entertaining manner, and was mainly a representative of rural issues.
The Country Party leader, Sir Earle Page, attempted to prevent Sir Robert Menzies from becoming Prime Minister by exploiting UAP divisions.
Collins voiced support of Page on radio, but the following day Page attacked Menzies in parliament, causing Sir Arthur Fadden and Bernard Corser to resign from the Country Party. Collins too distanced himself from Page and, together with Oliver Badman, announced he would not attend party meetings headed by Page.
On 26 April Menzies formed a government, and Page resigned as leader of the Country Party. Collins, Fadden, Corser and Badman were not permitted to vote in the subsequent leadership ballot, in which Page supporter Archie Cameron became leader.
Menzies, perhaps in gratitude, made Collins Minister Assisting the Prime Minister (dealing with external territories) and Minister Assisting the Minister for the Interior.
In June 1941 he was appointed Postmaster-General, but only held the portfolio office until October that year, when the Curtin Labor Government assumed office. Collins lost his seat at the 1943 federal election. Known for his charity, skill and support of many sports, Collins considered standing again for parliament, but died on 15 April 1945 of a sudden coronary sclerosis.
He had always been interested in politics and had contested the federal seat of Newcastle in 1913, being a close associate of Charles Hardy, leader of the Riverina Movement. Collins was embroiled in the United Australia Party-Country Party leadership conflict which ensued after the death of Prime Minister Joseph Lyons in 1939.