Cavan plaque unveiled to honor Irish-born Australian Senator

A plaque has been unveiled in Co Cavan to commemorate the life and legacy of former Perth-based Western Australia Senator Jim McKiernan (1944-2018), who served as a popular member of Australia's parliament for 18 years.

Cavan County Council commissioned the plaque to honor McKiernan’s remarkable journey growing up in challenging circumstances, leaving school at 14 and going on to become a respected member of the Australian Senate for 18 years.

The plaque, which is located on a gable wall near his childhood home, bears the inscription: “Jim was the son of Maisie and James McKiernan and grew up in Owen Roe Terrace.

"He left school at 14 and became a tradesman and trade union activist in England before emigrating to Australia, where he served as a popular member of parliament for 18 years.

"He was a great champion of the underdog and a proud Cavan man.”

The plaque also contains a tribute from the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins: "His life, his commitment to justice, his courage and internationalism represented something that can only be described as Ireland and Australia at their best."

The plaque honoring Jim McKiernan. (via Cavan County Council)

Speaking following the unveiling of the plaque, the Chair of Cavan County Council, Cllr Philip Brady said: “Senator Jim McKiernan was a passionate and principled advocate for the underprivileged and the disadvantaged.

"I am proud to be here today with his family to celebrate the life and achievements of one of Cavan’s most distinguished sons."

In a statement, Tommy Ryan, the Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, said, “Jim McKiernan made a significant contribution to Ireland and to Australia.

"This plaque is a fitting tribute to his memory and will serve as a reminder of his many achievements.”

Jim McKiernan's formal education ended at the age of 14. He worked various jobs, including as a petrol pump attendant, abattoir worker, and messenger before moving to England at 16 to join his older brother and sister. There, he started an apprenticeship as a fitter and became involved in the trade union movement.

At 22, McKiernan took advantage of the assisted passage scheme and emigrated to Fremantle, Western Australia.

Arriving in the sweltering heat of the Australian summer, McKiernan walked around Fremantle’s shipyards looking for work. He eventually gained employment and lived for two months in a migrant hostel with his family.

He soon after joined the Australian Society of Engineers (ASE) and later the Amalgamated Metal Workers Union (AMWU) before becoming their first full-time education officer for Western Australia. His union activism intensified, and he later became involved with the Australian Labor Party.

In 1984, McKiernan was elected to the Senate and re-elected three times, serving until his retirement in 2002. His first speech to parliament, delivered on March 25, 1985, highlighted his deep concern for issues like Aboriginal land rights, nuclear proliferation, uranium mining, and access to healthcare. McKiernan became known for his passionate speeches, great sense of humor, and trademark colorful ties. He championed causes such as campaigns against privatization and Australia's involvement in the Gulf War.

McKiernan never forgot his roots and was also a passionate advocate for Ireland in Australia and acted as secretary for the Australian-Irish Parliamentary Association for many years. During this time, he met with President Mary Robinson, President McAleese, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and numerous Irish delegations that visited Australia. He was a major supporter of the Northern Ireland peace process and helped secure a $7 million contribution to the Australian Ireland Fund. 

McKiernan also promoted tourism and trade links between the two nations and worked to support Irish people who found themselves in difficulty in Australia. In 1991 he received the Irish Australian of the Year Award.

McKiernan’s experience with being forced to take an oath of allegiance to the Queen was a major factor in his helping to lead a campaign to end the practice, successfully resulting in the passage of the Australian Citizenship Amendment Bill 1993. He also was a dedicated campaigner in the movement for Australia to become a republic.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jim's wife Jackie, who was a former member of the WA Legislative Assembly and a dedicated partner in his work, expressed her gratitude to the County Council for commissioning the plaque: “It is a beautiful way to remember my husband and his legacy.

"He was so proud of his Irish roots, and it is great to see him honoured and remembered in this way.”

Members of the McKiernan family with the new plaque honoring Jim McKiernan. (via Cavan County Council)