After he left school Foley held various jobs before becoming a contractor, supplying timber sleepers to the railways.

[2] During his time in parliament he held the roles of Secretary for Mines, Health and Home Affairs, Public Lands and Irrigation, and Labour and Industry.

The magistrate dismissed the charge however two other men, one of them being Foley's brother-in-law, were found guilty of possession of the contraband.

However, the Royal Commission was then reopened and handed down a verdict that Foley was guilty of corrupt conduct for soliciting bribes, resulting in his final resignation as minister.

[2] Foley married Christina Madeline Pianta at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Capella in 1920 and they had three children.