The Dictionary of Australasian Biography/Docker, Hon. Joseph
Docker, Hon. Joseph, M.L.C., second son of Robert Docker, of London, and Eliza (Perry) his wife, was born in 1802, and became a surgeon in the East India Company's service. He was married in April 1839 to Matilda, daughter of Major Thomas Brougham, H.E.I.C.S., of Penrith, Cumberland; and emigrating to Australia, was appointed a member of the Upper House in New South Wales, after being defeated as a candidate for the Legislative Assembly. He was Postmaster-General in the first Martin Administration, from Jan. 1866 to Sept. 1868, when he became Colonial Secretary, and retired with his colleagues in the following month. He was again Postmaster-General in Sir James Martin's second Ministry, from Dec. 1870 to May 1872. Whilst holding office on the first occasion he introduced and carried through the Upper House Mr. (now Sir) Henry Parkes' Public School Bill in 1866. He was Minister of Justice and Public Instruction in the Robertson Ministry, from Feb. 1875 to March 1877; and again, under the same Premier, from August to Dec. 1877. He died on Dec. 9th, 1884.