Neil MacGroarty

Neil Francis MacGroarty (1 May 1888 – 10 August 1971) was a solicitor and a member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Early life MacGroarty was born in Jane Street, South Brisbane, Queensland, to Irish-born parents Daniel Cannon MacGroarty, inspector of schools, and his wife Anna Maria (née Kearney). Educated at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace and Nudgee College, he entered into articles of clerkship with Patrick O'Sullivan before being admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1911. He was immediately appointed attorney general and in his maiden speech he attracted controversy when, after being interjected, he stated that the Queensland Court of Industrial Arbitration would be "ringbarked" as soon as possible. The four member jury went on to find in favour of the defendants. Queensland Rugby Union Junior Committee, 1907. MacGroarty is on the left of the back row. In his time as attorney general MacGroarty introduced the Companies Act of 1931, and the controversial Judicial Proceedings (Regulations of Reports) Act of 1931. The latter was regarded as an attempt to protect public morals, but was seen by the Labor Party as a personal vendetta against Brisbane Truth newspaper. By the time of the 1932 election, MacGroarty had fallen out with important Catholic elements and lost his seat to Labor's Vince Gair. Macgroarty left politics bitterly disillusioned and resumed his law practice until his retirement. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, South Brisbane and together had three sons and two daughters.