Beale had been unsuccessful as an Independent candidate against the Speaker, Daniel Levy, for the Woollahra seat at the 1935 state election. He eventually entered parliament as the Independent member for South Coast after he won the seat at the 1941 state election. This was a surprise result, as South Coast was considered a safe conservative seat. Beale defeated the incumbent United Australia Party (UAP) member Henry Bate, who had been the member since 1927, by 39 votes (0.15%). Bate had been a supporter of Bertram Stevens during the UAP's leadership struggles and consequently received little support from the party after Stevens was deposed and replaced by Alexander Mair.
Beale was a very active member in parliament, particularly supporting South Coast dairy farmers and the ship building industry. He also called for inquiries into police corruption related to illegal gambling and into wastage in the wheat industry.
In September 1942, Beale died suddenly of a heart attack at age 53 after being in parliament for only 16 months. The Premier, William McKell, said that Beale's method of attacking political problems was unorthodox but that no one ever doubted his sincerity and he was untiring in his efforts for his constituents.[2] Beale did not hold parliamentary or ministerial office. His son, Jack Beale, was elected to replace him in the South Coast seat.[3][4]