Politician, Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, grazier, and community leader

John Leahy (1854–1909) was a prominent Irish-Australian politician and businessman who played a significant role in the development of Queensland’s outback regions.

Born on 15 July 1854 in Schull, County Cork, Ireland, Leahy emigrated to Queensland in 1874. He initially worked as a rural labourer before becoming the postmaster at Windorah. In 1883, he settled in Thargomindah, where he became a successful grazier and community leader.

Leahy was instrumental in establishing the first reticulated artesian water supply in Queensland, which was implemented in Thargomindah in 1893. At a time when reliable water was one of the greatest challenges facing western Queensland, he recognised the potential of the Great Artesian Basin and championed the drilling of bores to support settlement and grazing. The scheme delivered artesian water directly through a network of pipes, reducing dependence on rivers and rainfall and helping secure the future of the remote township. Leahy’s advocacy for artesian water also contributed to the wider development of western Queensland, where bore water transformed vast areas of pastoral country and opened the way for increased agricultural and economic growth.

He also held various business interests, including partnerships in a cordial manufacturing company and ownership of the Royal Hotel in Thargomindah.

His political career began in 1889 when he was appointed to the Bulloo Divisional Board. He was elected as the independent member for Bulloo in the Queensland Legislative Assembly in 1893. Leahy served as Minister for Railways and Public Works from 1901 to 1903 and was appointed Speaker of the House in 1907, a position he held until his death in 1909.

An executive of the Queensland Irish Association (QIA), Leahy was deeply connected to the Irish Catholic community in Brisbane. John Leahy was a “self-made foundation member” of QIA, “he embodied the QIA ideals of achievement and integration, earning the accolade of as one of its ‘most brilliant members’.*

He was also involved in various civic organisations, including the Brisbane Chamber of Commerce and the Tattersall’s Club.

John Leahy passed away on 20 January 1909 at his home in New Farm, Brisbane. He was buried with full state honours at Toowong Cemetery.

* Taken from A Hundred Thousand Welcomes, The History of the Queensland Irish Association by Rodney Sullivan and Robin Sullivan