Former Herbert MP Ewen Jones dies, aged 63

The federal MP who took on Clive Palmer in parliament has been remembered as someone who was respected on both sides of politics. Read the latest.

Former Member for Herbert Ewen Jones wants another crack in federal parliament. Picture: Evan Morgan

Two-term Townsville MP Ewen Jones has died aged 63 surrounded by his family.

Jones, who had been a Townsville business identity since he first moved to the city in the 90s, twice served in the Townsville seat of Herbert after triumphing in back-to-back federal elections.

In a post on Ewen Jones’ Facebook page, his family asked for their privacy to be respected.

“Ewen passed away early this morning surrounded by his family,” the post says.

“We know this many come as a shock to many who knew him.”

Ewen Jones passed away around 5am this morning, surrounded by family. He is at peace now. I am so lucky to have had him as my dad. pic.twitter.com/PFha6O3cqR

— Emma Jones (@emma_____jones) July 12, 2023

Peter Lindsay was his predecessor in Herbert and ran Mr Jones’ 2010 election campaign.

Mr Lindsay said Mr Jones had a rare quality among MPs; he was “Mr Nice Guy. He had a great relationship with both sides, and that does not seem to happen these days”.

Backbencher Ewen Jones holds up a prop as PUP Leader Clive Palmer makes an announcement in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Palmer announced will not seek re-election for parliament's lower house. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING

“He had a knack of relating to everybody and achieved a lot for the people of Herbert,” Mr Lindsay said.

“Ewen could be proud of what he did in his time as federal member.”

Mr Jones was laconic, connected, personable and “the best teller of jokes you could ever come across”, Mr Lindsay said.

Ewen Jones, left, and campaign director Peter Lindsay, watch results coming in during the 2010 federal election. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm

Former treasurer Joe Hockey tweeted, saying Mr Jones was “all class”.

“Loyal, sincere, energetic, funny, witty, smart and a root and branch Queenslander. Proud and true. To Linda and the family you have all our love. Townsville and Australia will mourn his sad loss. RIP mate,” he wrote.

Peter Dutton and Federal Member for Herbert Ewen Jones at the Townsville Airport.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Mr Jones would be “greatly missed and always remembered”, describing him as a “jovial man” who was a marvellous teller of jokes and a captivating story teller.

Mr Dutton offered his heartfelt condolences to Mr Jones’ family including wife Linda, children Abbie, Emma and Andrew and his wider family, friends and colleagues on behalf of the Coalition.

“He was loyal to his Party and his constituents,” he said.

“A true champion of liberal values, Ewen fought relentlessly for the people in and around Townsville.”

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott opens the mobile electoral office of Ewen Jones (left), the LNP Candidate for the Queensland seat of Herbert.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott described Mr Jones as a “very decent man”.

He said he won his first election against a popular Labor candidate, which was a testament to his “skills as a grassroots campaigner”.

“He was a classic Liberal candidate: with a varied life but essentially a small businessman and auctioneer, and a long community involvement especially in sport,” Mr Abbott said.

He added that for Mr Jones, doing the right thing by community, especially for small business people and those having a go, “characterised Ewen’s public life”.

“He wasn’t in it for himself but for what he could do for others,” Mr Abbott said.

Ewen Jones was a great friend and he made serving in the Parliament a little more fun. He made life a little more fun. He loved life, his family, his music, his sport and his community. I will miss him enormously, this is a very sad day. #RIPEwenJones

— Jamie Briggs (@BriggsJamie) July 13, 2023

“People like Ewen should be at the heart of the Liberal Party because they keep us grounded in the practical things that governments should try to deliver for ordinary people.”

Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said Mr Jones was a “great advocate” for North Queensland.

“He was the sort of guy you could work with … he was always committed to the economic development of the north,” Ms Hill said.

Labor MP for Thuringowa Aaron Harper wrote on Facebook that while the pair may have been on opposite sides of politics, Mr Jones was a “true gentleman”.

“Whilst we had the odd disagreement, we often shared a laugh and quick catch up at events and we both had a passion for the Cowboys,” he said.

Mayor Jenny Hill and Herbert MP Ewen Jones the first foundation members of the Northern Fury's community-owned model.

“Ewen helped raise money for charities with his quick wit and humour when on the hammer and that will not be forgotten.

I have just heard of the passing of Ewen Jones. He was all class. Loyal, sincere, energetic, funny, witty, smart and a root and branch Queenslander. Proud and true. To Linda and the family you have all our love. Townsville and Australia will mourn his sad loss. RIP mate.

— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) July 12, 2023

“The one thing I appreciated the most is he would call me when there was an opportunity to help someone in need or help sort out an issue if they were one of my constituents and I could call him on Federal matters. He was a good and decent politician.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper (centre) with Ewen Jones (L) and George Christensen (R).

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said “nobody could light up a dull Canberra room like Ewen”.

“He was so warm, so entertaining that people started smiling before he had even begun telling his latest story,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Of course Ewen would say that being funny in Canberra wasn’t that hard; the rest of us were pretty dull by comparison.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto was one of many to offer kind words, which included things like “was a pleasure to work with him, great guy”, “great man. Gone far too soon” and “a wonderful man who loved his family and the region he lived. Open, honest and accountable. Wish we had more of him. RIP Mr Jones”.

Townsville Enterprise chairman, Kevin Gill, said the organisation was “saddened and shocked” to hear of Mr Jones’ passing.

“He was a passionate advocate for all things Townsville and fine ambassador for North Queensland when he was in Canberra. Ewen was a fierce fighter for our business community and built strong and respected relationships with all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Linda and his children at this sad time,” Mr Gill said.

2015 NRL Grand Final. Cowboys fans descend on Sydney for the 2015 NRL Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos. Ewen Jones MP with son Andrew 13yo.

An LNP representative and a self-described ‘centrist’, Mr Jones was famously ejected from federal parliament after a fiery confrontation with mining magnate Clive Palmer over workers at the closed down Queensland Nickel refinery.

Federal Liberal member for Herbert, Ewen Jones gestures during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, May 2, 2016. (AAP Image/Sam Mooy) NO ARCHIVING

Working as an auctioneer during most of his time in Townsville, Mr Jones also spent time in real estate and finance before successfully defeating Labor candidate Tony Mooney in the 2010 election.

He entered the federal parliament under then LNP leader Tony Abbott and served for two terms during a tumultuous time in Australian politics, which saw multiple leadership spills and challenges.

MP Ewen Jones at a North Queensland Cowboys game at 1300Smiles Stadium.

During his tenure, Jones publicly backed Abbott to stay on as party leader and prime minister, and was dragged into a confrontation with Dawson MP George Christensen after expressing public support for legalising gay marriage.

He saw off a challenge from Cathy O’Toole in 2013, before the margin slimmed between the two to just 8 votes at the 2016 election.

A subsequent, mandatory recount extended Ms O’Toole’s lead to 37 votes and saw Mr Jones time as a federal member end, but not his time in politics.

Ms O’Toole said Mr Jones was a “personable man” who cared about people and had a sense of social justice.

“As an opponent in the contest I had with him, it was always about policy,” she said.

“We never engaged in personal attacks. I was grateful for that.”

Mr Jones provided support and advice to the LNP’s three state election candidates in the ultimately ill-fated 2017 state election.

He also filed paperwork for preselection as an LNP candidate for the next federal election in 2018, but fell short against the man who would go on to become Herbert’s federal representative Phil Thompson.

More details are expected to be released about a memorial soon.

Originally published as Former Herbert MP Ewen Jones dies, aged 63