Former Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche dies

Politicians and business leaders have paid tribute to former Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche after his shock death.

Former Queensland Resources Council chief executive Michael Roche. File picture

THE former chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council has passed away after a very brief illness.

Michael Roche, the combative head of the peak lobby group for 11 years, died on Tuesday night, less than three weeks after a health issue was diagnosed.

He was 64.

His shock death drew numerous tributes from industry and government colleagues who worked with him over a career spanning nearly four decades.

Michael Roche with former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk. File picture

As head of the QRC, Roche was a passionate advocate for the coal industry and other resources groups in the state before resigning in 2016.

His successor, former politician Ian Macfarlane, honoured him for his “tireless commitment and passion’’ for the sector.

“Michael was a fearless leader and vocal advocate for the sector who championed new ideas that changed the industry forever,’’ Mr Macfarlane said.

“He led the organisation through one of the most severe downturns in recent history with determination and professionalism.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised him for making “an invaluable contribution to public policy in Queensland, including commencing the development of world leading mining rehabilitation reforms’’.

“Michael will be missed and his contributions to public life have made Queensland a better place,’’ she said.

Queensland Resources Council boss Ian Macfarlane pays tribute to his predecessor. File picture

State Resources Minister Anthony Lynham echoed the sentiment, taking to Twitter to hail him as “a champion of industry and government’’.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland CEO Stephen Tait tweeted that he was “shocked and saddened’’ to learn of the sudden passing of Roche, who he described as an “all round good bloke’’.

Starting in 1980, Roche spent 16 years in State and Commonwealth Government roles before taking on a nine-year job as general manager of the ASX.

After leaving the QRC, he ran his own consultancy business and served as a strategic adviser to law firm McCullough Robertson.

He also had a board role with WorkCover Queensland and chaired disabilities group Multicap.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and three children.

A memorial service is expected to be held next week.