His grandfather was recalled to England in 1838, but his father, also named John Hindmarsh, returned to South Australia and worked as a lawyer.

[3] Politically, Hindmarsh was left-wing (though his contemporaries never described him as being a true socialist) and held a number of positions in the local labour movement.

In this role, he argued against the traditional alignment of unions with the governing Liberal Party, instead advocating an independent labour voice in Parliament.

Hindmarsh chose became one of a group of United Labour loyalists who remained outside the Social Democrats, forming a loosely organised "remnant" faction.

However, Hindmarsh declined the offer and the Labour caucus decided to maintain its independence by not joining the national ministry.

Contrary to convention Hindmarsh was not officially recognised as the Leader of the Opposition with Ward still retaining the title, albeit in name only.

[12] While occupying the position of chairman, Hindmarsh was noted to be a man of great personal attraction and was easily able to establish friendships, even when differing opinions were concerned.

[13] This was of great benefit in his position as the recently formed Labour Party had many individuals with both differing personalities and clashing ideas.

[1] His eight-year-old son Tom went to the Star of the Sea orphanage in Miramar, but on weekends he was cared for by his 14-year-old sister Sybil.