Robert Caldwell (Australian politician)

Robert Caldwell (c. 1843 – 2 November 1909) was a South Australian politician. He was a member of the South Australian House of Assembly from 1879 to 1902, representing the electorates of Yorke Peninsula (1879-1890) and Onkaparinga (1890-1902).

Caldwell was born in Ayrshire, Scotland and immigrated to South Australia with his family in 1849 when he was just six years old. The family were amongst the earliest settlers at Alma Plains. Caldwell also held residences at Mount Templeton, the Yorke Peninsula and Woodside.

Caldwell was a farmer, and author before entering politics. He also wrote for The Register newspaper and was Clerk of the Onkaparinga District Court.

Caldwell was a Methodist and a member of the Temperance Alliance throughout his life.

Caldwell was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly as the member for Yorke Peninsula in 1879, transferring to Onkaparinga in 1890. He served until 1902.

He contested the single statewide seven-member Division of South Australia at the 1901 federal election as a Protectionist Party candidate but finished ninth.

Whilst in parliament Caldwell was briefly secretary to the Opposition, and was instrumental in securing the appointment of several Commissions to enquire into issues related to the agricultural industry.

Caldwell's conservative political views grew stronger to the extent he lost touch with the majority of the people and resulted in his unsuccessful attempt to secure a seat in the Federal Senate.

...
Wikipedia