Charles McHugh

Charles Stephen McHugh (23 April 1887 – 24 July 1927) was an Australian politician. He was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and served as a Senator for South Australia from 1923 until his death in 1927 at the age of 40.

Early life McHugh was born on 23 April 1887 in Adelaide, South Australia, the son of Annie (née McNamara) and Edward McHugh. He was educated at Christian Brothers College and worked as a clerk and commercial agent after leaving school. He was interested in public speaking from a young age and served as president of the St Patrick's Literary Society. Before entering the Senate he served on the Thebarton Town Council.

Politics

McHugh joined the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in 1909 and eventually became president of the South Australian branch. He was elected to the Senate at the 1922 federal election, to a term beginning on 1 July 1923. In the gap between his election and the start of his term he married Doreen Hogan, with whom he had one son.

Death In July 1927, McHugh travelled to Tasmania with the Public Accounts Committee. He was due to travel to Scottsdale with the rest of the committee, but was taken ill and chose to remain in Launceston. His condition rapidly deteriorated and he was admitted to Struan Private Hospital, where he died of pneumonia on 24 July. The South Australian House of Assembly adjourned for two hours to allow members to attend his funeral.