Ernest Albert Atherton[1] (22 March 1879 – 29 June 1954) was a farmer and member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

[3] He was educated at Cairns State School and also received private tuition in Port Douglas.

When he finished his education he spent time as a butcher and storekeeper before becoming a sugar cane and dairy farmer.

[2] After being the first chairman of the Barron Shire Council, at the 1929 state election, Atherton contested the seat of Chillagoe for the Country and Progressive National Party and defeated Labor sitting member, John O'Keefe.

[5] On 10 April 1912, Atherton married Honoria Christiana Svendsen[2] (died 1975)[1] and together had two sons and one daughter.