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Jim Keeffe

1919 – 1988

Australian politician

Politician Insurance broker
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About Jim Keeffe

Lived 1919 – 1988 (aged 68). Jim Keeffe was an Australian politician and insurance broker.

James Bernard Keeffe (20 August 1919 – 15 May 1988) was an Australian politician who served in the Australian Senate as a Labor Senator for Queensland.

Early life Born in Atherton, Queensland, he was educated at state schools before becoming a farm labourer and forestry worker. After serving in the military 1942–1945, he became an insurance and real-estate salesman.

In 1978, Keeffe ran a petition supporting the wishes of the Aboriginal people on Palm Island to retain their Aboriginal council. However the council was sacked by Joh Bjelke-Petersen's government in July 1978. This followed moves by the Queensland Government to hand over control of Palm Island to Townsville Council. The government ran a counter-petition, which, it was reported, carried forgeries and duplication of names; both petitions contained many of the same people's signatures.

Later life and death In May 1988, Keeffe visited Canberra for the opening of the New Parliament House. On 15 May, he was found dead by his son when his returning train pulled into the station in Townsville.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Positions held
Member of the Australian Senate
Also known as
James Bernard Keeffe

People in Jim Keeffe's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Jim Keeffe's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jim Keeffe?

Australian politician

When was Jim Keeffe born?

Jim Keeffe was born on 20 August 1919 in Atherton.

When did Jim Keeffe die?

Jim Keeffe died on 15 May 1988 in Townsville.

What was Jim Keeffe's occupation?

Jim Keeffe was a politician and insurance broker.

What nationality was Jim Keeffe?

Jim Keeffe was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jim Keeffe

· Wikidata: Q15452355

· DBpedia: Jim Keeffe

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jim Keeffe. https://biography.guide/jim-keeffe/

MLA: "Jim Keeffe." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jim-keeffe/.

Chicago: "Jim Keeffe." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jim-keeffe/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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