11 Facts About Merv Toms

John Mervin Toms was an Australian politician who was a Labor Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1956 to 1971.

Merv Toms was appointed Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in July 1971, but served only a few months before dying in office.

Merv Toms moved to Perth during his childhood, attending Midland High School.

Merv Toms left school at the age of 15, initially working as a labourer and later as a carpenter and joiner.

Merv Toms married Winifred Ann Jenkinson in 1933, with whom he had three children.

Merv Toms was elected to the Bayswater Road Board in April 1944, and would serve on the council until May 1971, including as chairman from 1951 to 1956.

Merv Toms was recognised as an Honorary Freeman of the City in December 1971 due to his service on the board, and has the Mertome Village aged care complex named after him.

Merv Toms was prominent in the Building Workers' Industrial Union, a forerunner of the CFMEU.

Merv Toms entered parliament at the 1956 state election, easily winning the seat of Maylands.

Merv Toms was appointed deputy chairman of committees in the Legislative Assembly.

Merv Toms's elevation meant that the government and opposition had equal numbers on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, so he made frequent use of his casting vote as speaker.