In 1928, Graham joined the Western Australian Government Department of Lands and Surveys as a cadet draftsman. In the mid-1930s, he joined the Department of Forests.[1]
Public life
Early politics
After joining the Australian Labor Party in 1929 he soon became heavily involved in politics. By 1933 he was a member of the ALP state executive. In 1934 he was an unsuccessful candidate for the House of Representatives seat of Perth. In 1940 he was a candidate for the Senate though he only garnered 2% of the Western Australian vote, the same percentage as his father in 1919.[2][5][6]
With the election of the Hawke Labor government in 1953 Graham became a Cabinet minister with responsibilities for the portfolios of housing and forests. As housing minister Graham was responsible for an increase in the number of state-owned residential properties. An apartment complex, Graham Flats in West Perth, built while he was housing minister, was named in his honour. In 1957 Graham took on responsibility for transport, presiding over the implementation of an integrated bus system.[1][8]
Between 1959 and 1971 Graham served the ALP in opposition, rising to deputy opposition leader in 1966. When the Tonkin government took power in 1971 Graham became Deputy Premier. He took on responsibility for town planning between 1971 and 1973.[1][9]
In 1973 after a series of disagreements with Tonkin, Graham resigned from Parliament. In the by-election that followed, Brian Burke was elected by thirty votes.[1][7]
Civic life
After leaving Parliament Graham was appointed chairman of the state Licensing Court.[1]
A fluent Italian-speaker, Graham was involved in the Western Australia Italian Club, becoming a life member of the club. He was honoured by the Italian government with an Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.[1]
