He was the Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 1932 until 1939 and died by a self-administered gunshot wound in Parliament House in 1939.

[1] During his time in parliament he built up an extensive knowledge of standing orders which he used to great advantage against the Moore Government between 1929 and 1932.

On becoming Speaker he served the position with dignity and distinction[2] and he strictly interpreted the standing orders and kept close control over the House.

[1] He even once rebuked his leader, Premier Forgan Smith, for reading his speech on a bill, something that is not permitted in parliament.

[3] His body was found when the manageress of the parliamentary refreshment room, (Miss Curnow) went to inquire what Pollock would like for lunch.