Laurie George Wallis (1922–1984)
The former Member for Grey, Laurie Wallis, died on Wednesday in the Port Augusta Hospital after a long illness.
Mr Wallis, 61, held the federal seat of Grey for the ALP for 14 years until his retirement at last year's federal election.
The seat was taken over by his protege and long time friend, Lloyd O'Neil.
During his years representing the large electorate of Grey, Mr. Wallis was a popular figure throughout the region where he attempted to ensure that all districts had representation in Canberra.
Described as a 'great battler', Mr Wallis was heavily involved with trade unions as well as the Grey electorate.
He came to the region during the Second World War as a boilermaker with the railways.
Before he entered federal politics in 1969, Mr Wallis was secretary of the Port Augusta branch of the Boilermakers and Blacksmiths' society for 19 years as well as being secretary of the Port Augusta combined Unions Council.
The funeral service was held on Thursday afternoon at the Port Augusta Parlour, followed by a burial at the Stirling North garden cemetery.
Original publication
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- is standing for federal election, Port Lincoln Times (SA), 23 October 1969, p 1
Related Entries in NCB Sites
Citation details
'Wallis, Laurie George (1922–1984)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/wallis-laurie-george-35070/text44226, accessed 23 June 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
10 September,
1922
Thornleigh, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Death
10 January,
1984
(aged 61)
Port Augusta,
South Australia,
Australia
Cause of Death
Education
Occupation or Descriptor
Key Organisations
- Boilermakers' Society of Australia (SA)
- Port Augusta Trades and Labor Council (SA)
- Boilermakers' and Blacksmiths' Society of Australia (SA)