Richard Cecil Cook


Richard Cecil Cook, known as Cecil Cook was an Australian judge and a member of the Industrial Commission of New South Wales.

Early life

Always known by his second given name, Cecil Cook was born in Marrickville, New South Wales, one of nine children of Sir Joseph Cook, a politician and Prime Minister of Australia from 1913 to 1914, and Dame Mary Cook. He attended Newington College and the University of Sydney, where he graduated with a LL.B. in 1924.

Legal career

After graduating Cook worked as a solicitor until 1928 and then read for the Bar. He was a barrister-at-law until 1954.

Judicial career

Cook was appointed as an additional member Industrial Commission of New South Wales in 1954 and as a judge of the commission on 13 May 1955. He served as a judge until his retirement on 1 March 1972.

Wool trade report

In the 1950s, Cook was appointed by the Attorney General under the monopolies act to inquire into the wool trade.