Senator Ron Boswell
21st September, 2012
TODAY’S news that Ron Boswell will not seek re-election to the Senate will bring to an end the remarkable career on one of the Parliament’s best known and best loved characters. His term does not end until 30 June 2014.“When Ron, or Bozzie as he is affectionately known to all, hangs up his suspenders he will have served the people of Queensland and Australia with distinction for three decades,” Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss said today.
“Ron has been, and remains, a courageous and unwavering champion for Queensland – especially for the regions, their people and their industries.
“For almost 30 years he has thrown himself into every issue of importance to regional people, their livelihoods and their unique way of life.
“Ron has done himself and The Nationals proud.
“The Father of the Senate since 2008, Ron was first elected in May 1983 and served as the Leader of The Nationals in the Senate for 17 years (1990-2007). He held the shadow portfolios of Regional Development and External Territories (1988-90), Northern Australia and External Territories (1993-94) and Consumer Affairs (1994) – all areas dear to his heart.
“In 1999, Ron was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, the Hon John Anderson, a post he held until 2003.
“But beyond the titles, it is Ron’s passion and determination that will he particularly remembered… both fondly and fiercely. I say it with love, affection and frustration that Ron never gave up. He has been fearless, relentless and selfless.
“He is a genuine conservative but he led the fight against right-wing extremism, which he hated. He was always prepared to stand up for sound policy even when that was not popular in the bush.
“Ron jokes that he was just a humble paintbrush salesman, a simple bloke who made it all the way to the Australian Senate and got to hang around a while.
“But the farmers and fishers of Australia know there is more to Ron Boswell than that. He will be missed and remembered as a strident, tireless champion for their interests.
“Ron was always ready to stand up for the fishermen, the pineapple growers, the banana industry, the ginger producers and anyone else who needed a voice. He never grew tired of defending the heartland of Australia. In fact, I think it has been that fight that kept him going.
“Thirty years is an incredible effort in any business, but in the hurly-burly of federal politics it is near miracle… and so is Ron Boswell.
“As The Nationals led the charge in opposing the carbon pollution reduction scheme, an emissions trading scheme and the carbon tax, Ron was in the vanguard, resolute and unflinching.
“Ron will leave this place at the end of his senatorial term and take with him our admiration and gratitude for a lifetime of service and heartfelt thanks for a job only Ron Boswell could do.
“We also extend a warm thank you to Ron’s wife Leita for her forbearance, allowing us to share Ron and have the benefit of his passion, energy and life. We wish them both good health and happiness in retirement.”
[ENDS]
