King O'Malley

The Honourable King O'Malley
Minister for Home Affairs
In office 27 October 1915 – 14 November 1916
Prime Minister	Billy Hughes
Preceded by	William Archibald
Succeeded by	Fred Bamford
In office 29 April 1910 – 24 June 1913
Prime Minister	Andrew Fisher
Preceded by	George Fuller
Succeeded by	Joseph Cook
Member of the Australian Parliament for Darwin
In office 16 December 1903 – 5 May 1917
Preceded by	New seat
Succeeded by	Charles Howroyd
Member of the Australian Parliament for Tasmania
In office 29 March 1901 – 16 December 1903 Serving with Edward Braddon, Norman Cameron, Philip Fysh, Frederick Piesse/William Hartnoll
Preceded by	New seat
Succeeded by	Division abolished
Member of the South Australian Parliament for Encounter Bay
In office 25 April 1896 – 29 April 1899
Preceded by	Henry Edward Downer
Succeeded by	Charles Tucker
Personal details
Born	(1858-07-02)2 July 1858? Possibly Pawnee County, Kansas, United States[a]
Died	20 December 1953(1953-12-20) (aged 95) Albert Park, Victoria, Australia
Nationality	American Australian[1]
Political party	Labor
Other political affiliations	Republican (US)
Spouse	Amy Garrod ​ (m. 1910)​
Occupation	Insurance salesman Politician

King O'Malley (2 July 1858? – 20 December 1953) was an American-born Australian politician who served in the House of Representatives from 1901 to 1917, and served two terms as Minister for Home Affairs (1910–1913; 1915–16). He is remembered for his role in the development of the national capital Canberra as well as his advocacy for the creation of a national bank.

O'Malley was of American origin and arrived in Australia in 1888. He worked as an insurance salesman before entering politics, in both professions making use of his knack for oratory and publicity stunts. He served a single term in the South Australian House of Assembly (1896–1899), before moving to Tasmania and winning election to the House of Representatives at the inaugural 1901 federal election. O'Malley was a political radical, and joined the Labor Party (ALP) upon its creation, despite his status as one of the wealthiest members of parliament. He was a keen proponent of banking reform, especially the creation of a national bank, and successfully lobbied for its inclusion in the Labor platform. He was dissatisfied with the initial form of the Commonwealth Bank, but later proclaimed himself as its "father". However, the amount of credit he deserves for its creation has been debated.

After Labor won the 1910 federal election, O'Malley was elected to cabinet by the Labor caucus, over the objections of Prime Minister Andrew Fisher. As home affairs minister, he oversaw the start of construction of the Trans-Australian Railway and the early development of the new national capital, including the design competition won by Walter Burley Griffin. A temperance advocate, he banned the sale of alcohol in the Australian Capital Territory. O'Malley's second term as home affairs minister was troublesome, marked by conflict with Prime Minister Billy Hughes, among others. O'Malley remained loyal to the ALP during the 1916 party split, but lost his seat at the 1917 election.

O'Malley spent his retirement defending his legacy. His political views combined with his personal background and personality traits made him a controversial figure during his career, and his life has continued to attract public interest. On his death, he was the last surviving member of the first Australian federal parliament.

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