Phillip Hurley Sullivan (1858 – 4 December 1921) was an Australian solicitor and politician. He was a Labor member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1901 to 1907, representing the electorates of Darlington and Phillip.
Early life and career Sullivan was born in Sydney, the son of Daniel Santry Sullivan, a master mariner, and Margaret Hurley.
He began his legal training in 1877 as a clerk, articled first to J. W. Johnson, then to R. P. Abbott in 1878, and later to W. B. Craig in 1881. He was admitted as a solicitor in 1882. He co-founded the firm Sullivan Brothers in Hunter Street, Sydney, which dealt with criminal, industrial, and marine court cases.
Local government Sullivan served as an alderman on Redfern Council, representing the Redfern Ward, from 1899 to 1901.
State politics In July 1901 Sullivan was elected to the Legislative Assembly as the Labor member for Darlington, winning with 51.89% of the vote.
With the abolition of Darlington and the creation of the new seat of Phillip in 1904, he successfully contested Phillip, receiving 56.19% of the vote.
During his parliamentary service he was a member of several committees, including the Refreshment Committee, and in 1905 he was appointed a trustee of the National Park.
Sullivan was defeated at the 1907 election for Phillip, receiving 28.69% of the vote.
Personal life Sullivan married Helen Elizabeth Scougall around 1895, and the couple had four daughters and three sons.
He was active in community and sporting circles. In his youth he rowed with the Sydney Rowing Club, and later became a member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, where he sailed a boat named Nereus. He was also associated with the Australian Jockey Club and the Sydney Press Club.
He was a member of the Church of England.
Death Sullivan died suddenly at his home in Cliff Street, Manly, on 4 December 1921. He was buried at South Head Cemetery with Church of England rites.
Electoral results Year Electorate Party Votes Percentage Outcome 1901 Darlington Labor 1,194 51.89% Elected 1904 Phillip Labor 2,977 56.19% Re-elected 1907 Phillip Labor 1,735 28.69% Defeated
Legacy Sullivan’s career illustrates the role of early Labor politicians in Sydney, combining a background in the law with municipal service and involvement in community organisations.
References
External links Phillip Hurley Sullivan – Parliament of New South Wales Phillip Hurley Sullivan – Sydney’s Aldermen