Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Walter Henry BENNETT and Olive Gertrude Jessica nee GORDON

Married Eileen nee JOCUMSEN 21 November 1942 and had 3 sons and 5 daughters.

Served at 339 Radar Station, New Guinea

Paliamentary Representation - 29 March 1941 - 15 April 1944 CP Sandgate

Chairman, University of Queensland Students Council. Member: Newman Society; Brisbane and South Coast Hospitals Board; Federated Clerks Union and Australian Workers Union; Lions Club; and Johnsonian Club. Patron and Life Member, Returned and Services League of Australia (South Brisbane branch). Vice-President, patron, member and honorary legal adviser for many sporting and charitable organisations. In Sep 1962 allegations of mismanagement were raised about the Queensland Police Force, particularly concerning public complaints and the lack of responsible action from the Police Commissioner. Mr Bennett weighed into the debate. A royal commission was called for and eventually granted. A royal commission into police corruption was held, particularly the issue of prostitution being conducted from the National Hotel. A report was tabled in April 1964. In March 1965 Bennett again raised issues of police matters and was subsequently suspended from the House for 5 days. A key witness to this inquiry, Shirley Brifman, was found dead in her flat 6 months after a TV interview in 1972. Colin Bennett also 'distinguished himself with his fists' on occasions - for instance, in Dec 1963 he punched Greg Kehoe (a former Labor member and defector to the QLP) in the mouth, breaking a tooth and splitting his lip. Kehoe broke a finger trying to retaliate. He contested the 1972 state election as an Independent after he was disendorsed by the ALP before the 1972 election. He frequently clashed with the controversial Tom Aikens - for instance, over an incident where Mr Aikens alleged that a 'peeved' Mr Bennett had let down four tyres of a car parked in his lot at the Inns of Court. Interests include swimming, tennis and gardening