Former Nationals Senator Ron Boswell has died, aged 85. Photo: YT/Wikimedia Commons.
Former long-serving Nationals Senator Ron Boswell has died, aged 85.
Elected as a Senator for Queensland in 1983, Mr Boswell served more than three decades in the Upper House of Federal Parliament, long enough to take on the mantle of Father of the Senate.
A colourful character, affectionately known as “Bozzie”, he entered parliament promising to be a voice for primary industries and small business, as well as for family values.
During election campaigns, he ran on the slogan: “Ron Boswell. He’s not pretty, but he’s pretty effective.”
Mr Boswell retired in 2014, citing his role in getting better telecommunications to regional areas as one of his greatest efforts.
But he claimed his proudest achievement was seeing off a challenge from Pauline Hanson and One Nation.
“In the fight of my life, against Pauline Hanson, I risked everything to stand up against her aggressive, narrow view of Australia,” he said in his valedictory speech.
“Defeating Pauline Hanson and One Nation in 2001 has been my greatest political achievement.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud said the entire party was in mourning at Mr Boswell’s passing.
“Ron was a Nationals elder and statesman of the highest order, a giant of our great cause and a lifelong fighter for families, small business and regional and rural Australia,” he said.
“Known as the Father of the Senate, Ron served in the Senate for the Nationals and later the LNP for more than 30 years.
“Ron was Leader of the Nationals in the Senate for 17 years and successfully held numerous parliamentary positions in Opposition, from Shadow Minister for Regional Development to the portfolios of Northern Australia and External Affairs.
“In government, Ron held the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services.
“Above all though, Ron Boswell was a powerful champion for the everyday small businesspeople, farmers, fishers and their families.”
Mr Littleproud said Mr Boswell was effective because he understood firsthand what it took to start with an idea, work hard and build a successful business.
He said even after his time in parliament, the former Senator continued to fight for regional Australia and supported important policies, particularly influencing energy policy through the party’s organisational processes and forums during the recent Coalition governments.
“Ron had a big heart for the Nationals, but an even bigger love for his country and his family,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Nationals pay tribute to the fierce loyalty of Ron and will forever be thankful for his contribution.
“Ron Boswell was truly a one-of-a-kind politician. His legacy leaves behind a better Australia.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also paid tribute to Mr Boswell, describing him as “an icon of the Coalition and giant of the National Party”.
She said he was a tireless advocate for rural and regional Australia.
“He lived and breathed the values of the bush, shaped by a lifetime of connection to the land and to the people who depend on it,” Ms Ley said.
“He brought a sharp mind, a strong voice and an unshakeable belief that Australians outside the big cities deserved to be heard, respected and backed by their government.
“Ron Boswell was a great Australian. He was a cattleman who understood the challenges facing rural and regional communities because he had lived them.
“That lived experience defined his politics and guided his work in the parliament …
“Ron was known for his blunt honesty, his policy depth and his willingness to take on anyone if he believed regional Australia was being taken for granted.
“Ron was a straight talker who brought real world experience to Canberra. He stood up to, and stood in the way of, fringe politicians peddling fringe politics.”
Anthony Albanese, speaking from flood-ravaged outback Queensland on Tuesday, paid tribute to Mr Boswell.
The Prime Minister described the former Senator as a great Queenslander who was passionate about the Nationals, but also passionate in his support of the national interest – and who fought off those seeking to divide the nation.
“My sincere condolences on behalf of the nation for those who will be grieving this sad loss,” Mr Albanese said.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
