RJ ‘Bob’ Ellicott AC: Man behind Australian Institute of Sport dies

A legend of Australia’s Olympic sporting history has died at age 95 after helping bring some of the country’s best sport stars to the world stage.

Former federal politician Robert James “Bob” Ellicott AC has died at the age of 95.

He will be remembered as the driving force behind the creation of the Australian Institute of Sport, which has trained Australian Olympians since 1981.

Mr Ellicott was elected to the federal seat of Wentworth in 1974 and became the first attorney-general of Malcolm Fraser’s Liberal government.

He held his seat for eight years, including time as the commonwealth solicitor-general and home affairs and environment minister.

Former federal politician Bob Ellicott has died at age 95. Picture: John Appleyard

“He made a substantial contribution to the development, integrity and professionalism of sport,” Sport Australia Hall of Fame chair John Bertrand AO said.

“A significant figure in the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association, one of the highest achievers, Bob dedicated his life to sport and his family and will always be remembered for his kind and bright nature.

“Our thoughts are with the Ellicott family and the entire sporting community.”

Mr Ellicott retired from politics in 1981 and joined the bench of the Federal Court.

He went on to practise as a Queen’s Counsel and played a prominent role in the 1996 Super League case that prevented any alternative rugby league competition until the turn of the 21st century.

In 1986 he was appointed as the patron of Gymnastics Australia and was awarded the Order of Merit by the Australian Olympic Committee in 2006.

Originally published as RJ ‘Bob’ Ellicott AC: Man behind Australian Institute of Sport dies