He was a Labor Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1956 to 1973, representing the electorate of East Hills.
He attended Chatswood Intermediate High School, but went to Queensland at the age of 17 to cut cane.
He returned to Lithgow at the age of 20; over the next thirty years he worked alternately as a steelworker, metallurgist, and brickworks engine-driver.
He was credited upon his death with having played a crucial role in the creation of the Georges River National Park, thus saving the area from development.
[2] Kelly moved out of the East Hills seat after his retirement, living in the Ingleburn area.