During Sir Joh’s premiership, Queenslanders wanted Sir Joh to build dams, roads, bridges and railway lines. Sir Joh delivered, he built dams, roads, bridges and railway lines.
Sir Joh’s numerous achievements also include defying the doomsayers and abolishing death duties in Queensland, forcing all other Australian Governments to follow - for this alone, the whole country should be eternally grateful.
During Sir Joh’s term as premier he oversaw the construction of Griffith and James Cook Universities; he secured Expo 88 for Queensland; the one and only Indigenous person ever elected to the Queensland Parliament was elected as a member of the Nationals in 1974; the first woman cabinet minister Yvonne Chapman was sworn in; South Brisbane’s vast cultural precinct, including the Art Gallery, Performing Arts centre and Museum were constructed. Sir Joh trebled the area of Queensland’s National Parks.
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He passionately promoted the Sunshine State as Australia’s prime tourist destination and a great place to live. He also opened up the states enormous mineral resource potential.
Sir Joh also achieved much, much more. Sir Joh just didn’t govern Queensland, he built Queensland.
By anyone’s estimation the mark of a successful premier is to leave an indelible print on your state, Sir Joh has done that and he has done it for the better.
Sir Joh and Lady Flo where a great team - an unbelievable partnership, in marriage, in family, in politics, in service and in the community.
To Lady Flo and the Bjelke-Petersen family, I simply say thank you for letting Queenslanders be a part of your life, in the good times and the sad times.
Sir Joh hasn’t been premier of this great state for almost a generation, yet he is talked about by Queenslanders, including young Queenslanders, as though he was premier just yesterday.
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Most politicians, including premiers are hardly mentioned even a term after their departure from the political stage but not Sir Joh, his name is still there larger than life.
Whilst he sadly no longer graces us with his physical presence, Sir Joh’s great contribution to this state, to his local community and his family, will live on for generations to come and for that all Queenslanders will be forever grateful.
This is an edited version of the tribute delivered by Lawrence Springborg, Leader of the Opposition, Queensland, at the funeral for Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen on May 3, 2005.
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