Born near Ballarat, the son of a railway worker, Scullin left school to work in a grocery store and attended night classes, where he won prizes as a debater and public speaker. Scullin joined the labor Party in 1903 and was elected to the House of Representatives as the member for Corangamite in 1910.
He lost his seat in 1913 but was elected as the member for the Yarra in 1921, becoming leader of the party 1928.
He was elected prime minister in 1929 at the height of the Depression. Beset by difficulties of the
Depression, ministerial inexperience, and an opposition-controlled senate, he lost the 1931 election but retained the labor leadership until 1935, when he resigned because of illness.
An effective parliamentary speaker who was greatly respected for his integrity and sincerity, Scullin was a close advisor to his successor, Curtis, during World War 2.
