He was a hardworking Australian Labor Party bureaucrat with valuable writing and speaking talents, who was eventually rewarded by a five-year stint as a federal government minister.

He worked as a farm labourer, failed as a selector and, in 1885, married Kate McInerney.

He found work in the footwear industry and was at one time secretary of the Queensland Boot and Shoe Manufacturers' Association.

Collings, at 85 years of age, remains the oldest person to have served in the Senate.

[citation needed] Collings died at his home, 694 Flinders Parade, Brighton on 20 June 1955, survived by one son(Eric) and one daughter of his six children.