George became a merchant in London and, after that business failed, he emigrated to South Australia in 1848, arriving in Adelaide on 24 June 1849.
On 2 September 1869, Rolfe was appointed Commissioner of Customs in the second McCulloch Government, despite the fact that he was not then a member of either House of Parliament.
Robert Byrne moved a motion in the Assembly a few days later, censuring the Premier for having gone outside the House for a colleague.
Byrne then became Treasurer in the MacPherson Government, but, on going back to his constituents at Crowlands for re-election following his appointment, was defeated by Rolfe on 5 October 1869.
[4] Rolfe was a director of the National Bank of Australia, and was a significant contributor to the foundation of the Alfred Hospital.