He worked as a call boy with the railways at the beginning of his career after moving to Collie in 1929.

Tom Jones was also responsible as an industrial advocate for winning the 35-hour week as an Award Condition for Australian workers.

His retirement in 1989 saw the National Party candidate Hilda Turnbull become the member for Collie.

During his parliamentary career he was active in the policies of Government for the coal mining industry.

He was Chairman of the State Parliamentary Party during the period of the John Tonkin Government.