Statement on the passing of Hon Mike Ahern

It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of a great Queenslander and National Party Leader in the Hon Mike Ahern, former Premier of Queensland.
The National Party family has lost one of its greatest today.
Mike Ahern and my father are two of the greatest influences on me and my pursuit of politics.
I still wear to this day, with pride, a tie and cufflinks he gave me as a young boy when he was our Premier.
It’s difficult to describe all that Mike Ahern achieved and stood for, but integrity is what Mike Ahern embodied in all that he did during his time in public office.
We are a better state and country for having Mike Ahern and our National Party family’s thoughts are with Andrea and the family during this sad time.