Overview

Paul Thomas Francis O'Grady (14 July 1960 – 18 January 2015) was an Australian politician who represented the Australian Labor Party in the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1988 until his resignation in 1996. He is widely remembered for becoming the first openly gay member of the New South Wales Parliament, and for the public way his personal health struggles intersected with his public role.

Political career and public role

O'Grady entered the state upper house following the 1988 election. During his time in office he was associated with the Labor Party's progressive wing and participated in parliamentary debates and committee work typical of upper house members. His decision to be open about his sexuality while serving in parliament marked a turning point in representation in New South Wales politics and contributed to broader public conversations about diversity and inclusion in government.

Coming out, health disclosure, and resignation

In 1990 O'Grady publicly came out, a decision that made him a visible figure in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender representation in Australia. In 1996 he resigned from the Legislative Council citing poor health. Later that year he made public that he was living with AIDS, a disclosure that brought attention to the stigma people with the condition faced and prompted discussion about health policy and community support.

Later life and death

After leaving parliament O'Grady continued to participate in community and advocacy work when health permitted. He received a diagnosis of cancer in 2011. He died on 18 January 2015 at the Sacred Heart Hospice in Darlinghurst at the age of 54. His passing was noted in media and by community organizations that recalled both his political role and his willingness to speak publicly about difficult personal matters.

Legacy and significance

O'Grady's public profile as the first openly gay member of the NSW Parliament made him an early symbol of changing attitudes toward sexual orientation in Australian public life. While not known for a single landmark law, his presence and openness helped normalise LGBT representation in mainstream politics and underscored the intersection of health, privacy and public service.

Key dates

  • Born: 14 July 1960
  • Elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council: 1988
  • Came out publicly: 1990
  • Resigned from parliament and disclosed AIDS diagnosis: 1996
  • Cancer diagnosis: 2011
  • Died: 18 January 2015

For further context about the institutions and topics mentioned, see entries linked here: Labor, NSW Legislative Council, coming out, LGBT history, AIDS, cancer.