He was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly (1893–96, 1899–1901) and led the Labor Party (1907–15). He was federal Prime Minister and Treasurer (1908–09, 1910–13, 1914–15). His second government extended social welfare and established the Commonwealth Bank. Wartime stress, and conflict with W. M. Hughes, led to his resignation, after which he was High Commissioner in London (1916–21).