Tributes for former Gregory MP Vaughan Johnson after shock passing
Former Gregory MP Vaughan Johnson is being remembered as a “monumental pillar of advocacy for rural Australia” after he passed away on the weekend.
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Former Gregory MP Vaughan Johnson OAM, is being remembered as a ‘fierce advocate’ for Central Queensland after he died on the weekend.
Mr Johnson, who was 75, served as the State Member for Gregory for more than 25 years.
He worked as a grazier and contractor before he was first elected in 1989.
Before entering state politics, he served as a councillor on the Quilpie Shire Council between 1970 and 1973, and was also chairman of the Quilpie branch of the National Party.
Throughout his political career Mr Johnson served a number of roles.
In 1995 he was appointed the opposition spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads, before being appointed the Transport and Main Roads Minister in 1996 under former Premier Rob Borbidge.
Mr Johnson again held the Transport and Main Roads title in opposition between 1998 and 2004, and again between 2006 and 2007.
Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Small Business and Industry and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships was a title Mr Johnson held between September 2007 and January 2008.
Mr Johnson also served as the opposition spokesman for Police and Corrective Services, and the Queensland Government Chief Whip between 2012 and 2015 under Premier Campbell Newman.
Following his retirement in 2015, Mr Johnson was succeeded by now Gregory MP Lachlan Millar.
Mr Millar described Mr Johnson as “authentic” and “larger-than-life” and shared his “deepest condolences” to his family.
“He was passionate about the people of Gregory and his fierce love for western Queensland never left him. An authentic, larger-than-life character, his fairness, energy, shrewd intelligence and his genuine concern for people’s struggles made him an outstanding MP,” he said.
“He travelled constantly and worked tirelessly to ensure western Queensland had a voice.
“Vaughan was also a great mate and I will always be grateful for the advice and support he extended to me personally when I became the member for Gregory.
“While he did not take naturally to retirement, he loved having more time with his children, grandchildren and his brothers and sister.
“I know his many friends and admirers across Queensland will share my sadness at this news. It will take a while to come to terms with it.”
Former Rockhampton MP Robert Schwarten described Mr Johnson as the “last of the true old Country Party people”.
Mr Schwarten and Mr Johnson both entered politics at the same time in 1989 and bonded over shared humour, footy, “plenty of grog, and a lot of fun”, despite being in opposite parties.
“He was as comfortable sitting around a campfire with a mob of growers, or driving a truck all bloody night moving cattle, as he was in any boardroom in Queensland,” he said.
“He never forgot the basis of humanity and that was the worker. I always told him he was in the wrong party, and occasionally he’d agree.”
Flynn MP Colin Boyce said Mr Johnson was a “monumental pillar of advocacy for rural Australia”.
“He was passionate about agriculture and the needs of rural Australia. He devoted much of his life for the betterment of rural Australia,” he said.
“A long-time parliamentarian serving over 25 years. His unexpected death is very sad and he will be deeply missed.”
Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said Mr Johnson was “truly one of a kind” and was passionate for regional communities and a “fierce advocate” for primary producers.
“His fervour for his electorate of Gregory is unmatched, with his legacy of 26 years as the sitting Member to live on. He brought the bush to the city and championed those who would otherwise be forgotten by the fast-paced environment of Parliament,” she said.
“Vaughan was tenacious, larger-than-life and man of extraordinary intelligence. With a handshake as strong as his, you knew you truly were in safe hands with him as your representative.
“The loss of this stalwart of the bush will have far reaching consequences. There has already been such an outpouring of grief at this loss.
“I send my deepest condolences to Vaughan’s family and friends.”
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