Harvey was elected the position of Lord Mayor of Brisbane in 1982 and served until 1985. His wife, Pearl, acted as Lady Mayoress. His term included Brisbane's hosting of the 1982 Commonwealth Games. His predecessor in office, Frank Sleeman had secured the games for Brisbane. Harvey was defeated when he stood for re-election in 1985 against Liberal candidate, Sallyanne Atkinson. Dying in 2006, Harvey was accorded a state funeral and buried in Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery.