Tributes flow for former Nationals leader Ron Boswell

Former long-serving Nationals senator Ron Boswell has died aged 85.

The Queenslander served in the Senate from 1983 until his retirement in 2014, including 17 years as the Nationals’ Senate leader.

Boswell died peacefully at his Brisbane home on Tuesday morning, surrounded by family.

Nationals leader David Littleproud described Boswell as a “giant” of the party, paying tribute to his decades of service.

“The Nationals send their deepest condolences to the family of the Hon Ron Boswell AO, following the sad news of his passing,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

Littleproud said Boswell’s long service, saying he was “effective because he understood first-hand what it takes to start with an idea, work hard and build a successful business”. 

“Even after parliament, Ron continued to fight for regional Australia and support important policies, particularly influencing energy policy through The Nationals’ organisational processes and forums during the recent Coalition governments,” he said.

“Ron had a big heart for The Nationals, but an even bigger love for his country and his family.

“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.”

Senior Nationals senator Susan McDonald also honoured Boswell, calling him “a giant in so many ways”.

“He fought ferociously for the men and women who grow the food of this nation, whether they be fishermen, farmers, graziers, right across this country,” she said.

“His perseverance, his determination – it is legendary that he would sit outside the prime minister’s door demanding to be heard, demanding that the regions that he advocated for would be listened to and get the right outcome.

“He was fiercely loyal. He was fiercely loyal to the communities that he represented and fiercely loyal to the National Party.”

Among his most notable political victories was defeating One Nation senator Pauline Hanson in 2001 to secure Queensland’s sixth and final Senate seat.

In his 2014 valedictory speech, Boswell described that contest as the “fight of my life”.

“Defeating Pauline Hanson and One Nation in 2001 has been my greatest political achievement,” he said.

Last month, Boswell strongly criticised fellow former Nationals heavyweight Barnaby Joyce following his defection to One Nation, saying he hoped Joyce “fails in his next political task”.

“I have spent my entire political career fighting the far right,” he wrote in The Australian.

“I campaigned against Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

“I defeated her, and I did it because the far right has always posed a danger to the unity of this country and to the people we represent.

“The National Party is the opposite. We are a grassroots movement.

“We hear the complaints, too, loud and clear, but we don’t wallow in them or become frozen by them. We act.

“We are the ones who take the issue, roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Boswell served as a member of former prime minister John Howard’s Coalition government.

In a statement mourning his death, Howard described him as “the genuine article”.

“He brought integrity and grit to his time in parliament,” Howard said.

“He fought valiantly and noisily for what he believed to be good for Australia and his native Queensland.

“He was loyal and tenacious and although we disagreed on some issues, he never lost my affection and respect.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute.

Ley described Boswell as an “icon of the Coalition” and “a great Australian”.

“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,” she said.

“I had the privilege of serving alongside Ron, and I saw first-hand his deep commitment to the bush and to the farmers, families and small businesses he represented.

“He was never interested in politics for its own sake.

“He was focused on outcomes, particularly for regional Queensland and for the industries that underpin our national prosperity.

“Ron never forgot the little person.”

Albanese offered bipartisan condolences while visiting Queensland’s flood-affected northwest.

“He was passionate about his support for our national interest,” the Prime Minister said.

“He took principled stances about people who would seek to divide the nation.

“He was someone who was firmly focused on the national interest.

“And for Ron Boswell’s family – for his many friends, and particularly to people in what is now the LNP here in Queensland – my sincere condolences on behalf of the nation for all those who will be grieving this very sad loss.”

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