Former Member for Groom Bill Taylor recognised for his service
Bill Taylor AM has been recognised for his service to the people and parliament of Australia and to public administration.
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FORMER Member for Groom Bill Taylor AM was awarded a gong in this week’s Australia Day awards.
The born and bred Toowoomba man, now 82, was appointed a member in the general division of the Order of Australia for his service to the people and parliament of Australia and to public administration.
A Toowoomba Grammar School old boy, Mr Taylor rose to the rank of Commodore during a 30-year career in the Royal Australian Navy before turning his hand to politics.
In 1988 he was elected to represent the people of the Darling Downs in the Federal Parliament via the seat of Groom which he occupied following the retirement of his predecessor MP Tom McVeigh.
Mr Taylor served as the Member for Groom in the House of Representatives for 10 years and was re-elected three times.
From 1999 to 203 Mr Taylor served as administrator of the Australian Indian Ocean Territories based at Christmas Island.
Now a grandfather at 82, he lives at Runaway Bay.
When receiving his Australia Day award, Mr Taylor paid tribute to his late wife of 52 years, Jan, who died at the age of 75.
“She might have passed on but she’s still with me in spirit,” Mr Taylor was reported as saying this week.
“In terms of this award, the honour doesn’t belong to me, in large part, it belongs to my wife. I lost her five years ago to cancer.
“But I’m proud and I was very happy to accept.”
Though is still a keen follower of Australian politics, Mr Taylor said he is no longer a member of any particular party.
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