Paul Hilton

Who was Paul Hilton?

Paul Jerome Remigius Hilton was an Australian politician, and a member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland from 1935 until 1963 representing the seat of Carnarvon, and a minister in both the Hanlon and Gair Ministries.

Hilton was born to Richard Hilton, a school teacher, and his wife Agnes. He was educated at the state school in Allora and in 1915 got a job as a pay clerk for Queensland Railways, moving to Toowoomba and ultimately Stanthorpe by 1921. He served as an NCO in the militia but was rejected for overseas service for World War I. In 1922, he married Esther Mary Clifford in the town of Gatton; they were to have two sons and two daughters. He became involved with many public bodies in Stanthorpe at this time.

Hilton first ran for the seat of Carnarvon at the 1932 election before winning it at the 1935 election. He became a supporter of the Industrial Groups and the Catholic Social Studies Movement organised by B. A. Santamaria, as well as being a member of the Order of St. Francis. He also supported the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and was the organiser of the Queensland Cancer Research Fund.