He was re-elected in the 1958 election, but the remainder of Ashley's term was filled by Colin McKellar; thus, Ormonde was not a Senator between 22 November 1958 and 1 July 1959.

[3] Joining the ALP at a young age, Ormonde began his career in journalism with the Labor Daily, initially as a delivery man before becoming a writer.

As editor he "attempted to capture the attention of the Labor faithful by adopting a lively, popular tone, with plenty of emphasis on sport".

He was also an unsuccessful candidate at the 1939 Waverley state by-election for the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, losing to Clarrie Martin of the Industrial Labor Party in a defeat which signaled the end of Lang's control over the ALP.

[1] In December 1957, Ormonde won ALP preselection for the party's Senate ticket in New South Wales at the 1958 federal election.