TJ Ryan was the son of an illiterate Irish free settler who began his working life as a teaching assistant, but eventually became an adviser to the Queen. He was deeply involved in the early Australian labour movement and defended union activists in court. His integrity and passion saw him quickly rise to prominence in Queensland politics. As Premier, he introduced a series of measures protecting workers' rights, breaking the power of business monopolies and other socially progressive legislation. Nationally, he is best known for leading the anti-conscription movement against Premier Billy Hughes, winning two referendums on the issue. He was clearly heading for the national leadership but died prematurely of pneumonia at Barcaldine while campaigning for the Labour Party in a federal election in 1921. He is buried in Toowong Cemetery.