Political Life
Before entering the NSW Parliament, Brain was elected in 1941 as an Alderman for the Middle Harbour ward, Municipality of Willoughby where he served with distinction until his entry into NSW Parliament in September 1943.
On the death of the former member, Edward Sanders, Brain won the by election held in September 1943 and all subsequent elections including that held on 1 May 1965. Prior to his retirement in January 1968, he fought nine elections and on each occasion was returned with a larger majority, possibly a record in NSW parliament and certainly a testimony to his dedication and to the faith in which he was held by the voters of Willoughby.
Brain's maiden speech in the NSW parliament implored the parliament to act on the recommendations of the Munn-Pitt report which was scathing in its assessment on the current state of libraries in this country. He had on his own initiative already convened a meeting of like minded individuals in the Willoughby electorate and thus the free library movement of NSW was formed in Willoughby. A subsequent committee was formed with Brain as the Secretary culminating in the drafting of a bill for submission and acceptance by the NSW parliament.
Premier Robert Askin said "memories of his struggle for a higher education—and it was a struggle, as will be appreciated by all those who knew something of his early life—remained with George all his life. They prompted him to work vigorously for the establishment of free libraries. He was dedicated to his work. He regarded free libraries as one of the best means of adult self education." Brain considered the achievement of the free library scheme as "one of the State's greatest social triumphs".
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