Call Number |
OH2798 |
Physical description |
8 sound cassettes (7 hr. 50 min.) |
Series |
Western Australia parliamentary oral history project
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Notes |
A joint project of J.S. Battye Library of West Australian History and Parliament of Western Australia, Parliamentary History Committee. |
Additional formats |
A digital reproduction is also available online. |
Transcript |
Transcript (typescript, 165 p. + index + appendix) |
Access advisory |
Access open |
Rights advisory |
Copyright or other restrictions may apply. For public use, contact the State Library of Western Australia. |
Summary |
Raymond James O'Connor was born in Perth in 1926 and was educated in convent and government schools in Narrogin and York and St. Patrick's Boys' School, Perth. After service in New Britain and Bougainville in WWII Mr O'Connor worked as clerk, storeman and credit manager before becoming proprietor of the Beehive Tearooms in Perth. He was also proprietor of a car yard and a building society director. He became a Liberal Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1959. He was appointed Hon. Minister assisting the Minister for Railways and Transport in 1965 and from 1965 to 1983 he held various Ministries including Transport and Railways; Transport, Traffic, Police and Safety (to 1977); Works, Water Supply and Housing (1977-78); Labour and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Immigration, Fisheries and Wildlife, Conservation and Environment (1977-80) and was Deputy Premier from 1980-92. Ray O'Connor was State Premier from January 1982-February 1983 and Leader of the Opposition from February 1983-February 1984. In the interview Mr O'Connor speaks of his upbringing, education and early business career. He describes his time in the Army, especially the period on active service in Bougainville. The major political figures during his career are discussed, as are some of the major issues in the various ministerial portfolios he held. While reticent about going over matters from the WA Inc Royal Commission which led to him being gaoled, Mr O'Connor does discuss the prison experience and how he has affected by it. An extract from the judge's summing up in that court case is appended at Mr O'Connor's request. |
Subjects |
O'Connor, R. J. (Raymond James), 1926-2013 -- Interviews.
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Burke, Brian, 1947-
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Connell, Laurie (Lawrence Robert)
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Politicians -- Western Australia -- Interviews.
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Premiers -- Western Australia -- Interviews.
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Prisoners -- Western Australia -- Interviews.
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Western Australia -- Politics and government -- 1976-1990.
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Related names |
Reid, Stuart, 1953-
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Western Australia. Parliament. Parliamentary History Committee.
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