19 Facts About Frank Gaha

John Francis "Stymie" Gaha was an Australian politician.

Frank Gaha retired from federal politics in 1949, returning to Tasmanian politics as a member for Denison in the House of Assembly in 1950.

Frank Gaha left the Assembly in 1964 and died two years later in 1966.

Frank Gaha was born on 14 April 1894 in Narrabri, New South Wales.

Frank Gaha was home-schooled until the age of thirteen, when he was sent to Sydney to attend St Joseph's College, Hunters Hill.

Frank Gaha completed his medical training in Ireland, studying at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.

Frank Gaha graduated MB BCh BAO and was admitted to Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and as a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians.

Frank Gaha completed his residency at hospitals in Dublin, including the Rotunda Hospital.

Frank Gaha returned to Australia in 1920, working his way home as the medical officer aboard a merchant steamer sailing to Singapore.

In 1921, Frank Gaha moved to Tasmania to work as a health officer for the Hydro-Electric Department, the government agency overseeing the state's expanding hydroelectric power scheme.

Frank Gaha was stationed in construction camps in remote areas and was frequently called upon to treat electric shocks.

Frank Gaha left the Hydro-Electric Department after a year to establish a private practice as a general practitioner in Hobart.

In 1923, Frank Gaha accepted a position as an "honorary" at Hobart General Hospital, working under Victor Ratten.

Frank Gaha volunteered at the tuberculosis sanatorium at New Town.

Frank Gaha developed close ties with the ALP government led by state premier Joseph Lyons.

Frank Gaha was the most senior medical professional within the small department, as the departmental head had no medical qualification.

In 1930, Frank Gaha visited Cape Barren Island and produced a report on the island's Aboriginal Tasmanian population.

Frank Gaha resigned from the Legislative Council on 10 July 1943 in order to contest the House of Representatives seat of Denison at the 1943 federal election.

Frank Gaha won a clear victory in Denison as part of a nationwide landslide victory for the ALP, defeating the incumbent United Australia Party MP Arthur Beck and former Labor MP Gerald Mahoney who stood as an independent.