Rex Jackson
Rex Jackson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member for Bulli | |
| In office 1955–1971 | |
| Preceded by | Lawrence Kelly |
| Succeeded by | Seat abolished |
| Member for Heathcote | |
| In office 1971–1986 | |
| Preceded by | New seat |
| Succeeded by | Ian McManus |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 October 1928 Wagga Wagga, New South Wales |
| Died | 31 December 2011 (aged 83) New South Wales, Australia[1] |
| Spouse | Irene |
Rex Jackson | |
|---|---|
| Criminal status | Released |
| Motive | Gambling debts |
| Conviction(s) | Guilty |
| Criminal charge | Conspiring over the release of prisoners[2] |
| Penalty | Ten years (five years non-parole) |
Rex Frederick Jackson (7 October 1928–31 December 2011) was an Australian politician, elected as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and subsequently imprisoned for conspiracy.
Biography
Jackson was born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, the son of a railway fettler. He was educated at Harefield Public School and Junee and Sutherland High Schools. He became a rail employee, professional boxer and printer. He married his wife, Irene, in 1949.[3]
Jackson was the member for Bulli from 1955 to 1971 and the member for Heathcote from 1971 to 1986, representing the Australian Labor Party. He was Minister for Youth and Community Services from May 1976 to October 1981 and then Minister for Corrective Services from October 1981 to October 1983. He was also Minister for Roads from February to October 1983.[4]
He resigned his ministerial portfolios on 27 October 1983 and from parliament on 13 August 1986. He was subsequently sent to prison for ten years following conviction on charges of conspiracy in relation to the early release of prisoners.[5]
Following his early release from prison, after serving three years and two months of his 10-year term, he returned to the home he still owned in Helensburgh and was welcomed back by many in his community.[6]
For some years, Jackson operated an ice cream van with business partner Col Alexander, called "Col and Rex's Hot Dogs and Ice Cream" which regularly parked at the top of Bald Hill, a popular hang-gliding spot in Stanwell Tops, south of Sydney. Jackson's wife Irene had arthritis and diabetes, and had a stroke just six weeks after his homecoming. She was hospitalised and then placed in a nursing home before her death in early 1993.[3]
Jackson died on 31 December 2011, aged 83.[7]
Further reading
- Bottom, Bob (1984). "A Minister Resigns". Without Fear or Favour. Melbourne: Sun Books Pty Limited. ISBN 0 7251 0453 8.
Notes
- ^ "Rex Jackson dies aged 83". ABC News. Australia. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- ^ "Appeal court increases Jackson's sentence". The Age. 24 June 1988. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Rex and the Good Life". The Sun Herald. 10 July 1993. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
- ^ "The Hon. Rex Frederick Jackson (1928–)". Members of Parliament. Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 20 February 2010.
- ^ "Report on investigation into the Silverwater filling operation". Independent Commission Against Corruption. 1 February 1990. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ^ Macey, Richard (10 November 1990). "Back home in Helensburgh, Rex Jackson is still a hero". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
- ^ "Time runs out for disgraced prisons minister". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 January 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2012.