Harry Jensen

Who was Harry Jensen?

Henry Frederick Jensen AO, was an Australian ALP politician, who served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1965 until 1981. He was also Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1957 until 1965.

Born in Newtown, New South Wales, Jensen was educated at Gardiners Road Public School, Marist Brothers High School in Darlinghurst, and St. Joseph's College, Hunters Hill. He joined the Australian Labor Party in 1929. He worked as an electrician and became an organiser within the Australian Electrical Trades Union and a delegate to the Australian Trades and Labor Council. He subsequently established his own electrical contracting business and later worked in footwear distribution.

He served as an alderman on Randwick Municipal Council from 1950 until 1956, including Mayor of Randwick from 1954. He was an alderman on Sydney City Council from 1956 until 1965, and Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1957 until 1965.

He entered the New South Wales Legislative Assembly at the 1965 state election, as member for Wyong, which he represented until October 1973. He was re-elected in November 1973 as the representative for Munmorah, a seat he occupied until 28 August 1981.