Former Queensland premier Mike Ahern remembered at state funeral

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Former Queensland premier Mike Ahern, who held the post from 1987 to 1989, has been farewelled at a state funeral in Caloundra following his death at the age of 81.

Transcript

00:00 We've watched dozens of people, including current and former Australian politicians,

00:06 particularly from Queensland, arrive here this morning to honour former Premier Mike

00:10 Ahern.

00:11 The 81-year-old died of cancer in Caloundra earlier this month.

00:16 He only served as Premier of Queensland for two years, but he's being remembered for the

00:22 significant impact he made on how governments operate.

00:26 Taking over from Sir Joe Bioka-Peterson, he served in a tumultuous period of Queensland

00:32 politics during the explosive Fitzgerald inquiry into official corruption.

00:38 It was when he was receiving the long-awaited report when he uttered the phrase that defined

00:44 his premiership.

00:46 He said, "We'll be implementing the Fitzgerald recommendations, lock, stock and barrel."

00:51 Now, Meg, as you mentioned there, Mr Ahern, he served as a politician during a very turbulent

00:59 time in Queensland politics.

01:01 What have people been saying about him?

01:04 Yeah, he was the member for Lansborough here for 22 years and was also the youngest MP

01:12 to ever be elected in Queensland, earning him the nickname the "Conindale Kid", which

01:17 is after the town that he grew up in.

01:20 And we've heard even recently Mr Ahern was really proud of what our local farmers were

01:25 producing and it was being sold down at the Brisbane markets.

01:30 As Mr Ahern's son, John, greeted people at the door today, several from the agricultural

01:37 industry thanked him for his dad's service and what he did for them.

01:42 John addressed the funeral service just moments ago.

01:46 Sure, my dad was a politician, but to me he was much more than that.

01:52 My dad had guts, unwavering determination and a mastery of a clutch, which was something

01:59 to be admired.

02:02 But his superpower was his ability to think under pressure.

02:08 I know I've got big shoes to fill.

02:11 I will try to be that leader, to live dad's example all the days of my life.

02:17 In attendance was also former Governor-General Dame Quintin Bryce, the Governor of Queensland,

02:23 Jeanette Young, Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk, along with her father and Opposition Leader

02:29 Peter Dutton, Opposition Leader for the state as well, David Chrisofully.

02:34 The service is wrapping up at the moment.

02:36 It's due to finish just before one o'clock when Mr Ahern will then be laid to rest.

02:41 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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