He was the Liberal member for Earlwood in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1988 to 1991.
White came to Sydney as a printing apprentice at the age of sixteen.
[citation needed] In 1988, White was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, winning the seat of Earlwood for the Liberal Party.
He defeated sitting member Ken Gabb, who had held the seat for ten years.
[3] Philip was survived by his four children and wife Catherine Patricia White.