Richard Rockliff AM: Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s father dies

The premier’s father, Richard “Rick” Rockliff, AM, a dedicated father, farmer and once deputy mayor, has died aged 79, the state government has announced. Read the tribute.

Rick Rockliff AM, father of Premier Jeremy Rockliff, has passed away. Picture: Chris Kidd

The premier’s father, Richard “Rick” Rockliff, AM, has died aged 79, the state government announced on Wednesday.

A retired farmer and local councillor, Mr Rockliff was well-known for his role in helping to transform the Tasmanian poppy industry into a world leader in a career spanning four decades.

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2000 for service to the community, particularly through agricultural and arts organisations and local government, Rick Rockliff once said he was proud to serve his community.

“The more you put into life, the more you get out of it” Mr Rockliff said of the honour.

Mr Rockliff senior was also responsible for the erection of “Kenny the Kennebec” a beloved local landmark in his home district, which is considered the second-largest replica potato in the nation.

Rick Rockliff pictured when he retired from Tasmanian Alakloids after about 40 years.

The premier paid tribute to his father with a post on the social media site X (formerly Twitter).

“On behalf of our family, we announce the passing of our dear dad, Rick. In our eyes, dad was a legend, a loyal, caring and proud dad, grandfather and loving husband of our gorgeous mum Gerry for over 55 years,” Mr Rockliff wrote.

‘We are so proud of all dad achieved across the fields of agriculture, local government, the arts and community service. Loved and remembered always. Jeremy, Rachel, Bridget and Donald.”

Acting Premier, Michael Ferguson said the Premier would take a short period of leave to mourn the loss of his father, and be with his family.

“Jeremy, together with his mother Gerry, and the extended Rockliff family are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Mr Rockliff has been a tower of strength for the north west community for many decades and was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, farmer, and community member.

“Rick shared with me on the day of Jeremy’s swearing in as premier how proud he was of his son.”

Rick Rockliff was the descendant of pioneers who originated from Yorkshire and settled in Van Diemen’s Land in the mid-1800s, eventually settling in Sassafras.

In his inaugural speech in 2002, his son paid tribute to his father and mother for instilling the spirit of those pioneers.

“Subsequent generations of Rockliffs took a similar approach to the life and work of those four brothers,” Jeremy Rockliff told parliament.

“I am one of those, as are my parents, Richard and Geraldine, who have instilled in me a strong work ethic. I owe them both a great deal.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff at Government House Hobart after being sworn in with father Rick and mother Gerry along with wife Sandra. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“They made sacrifices to ensure I had a good education because they wanted me to have choice and opportunity in the direction of my life – an incredibly valuable gift for any young person.”

Mr Rockliff was known as “a straight shooter”, an attribute he drew on during 40 years as the field operations manager of Tasmanian Alkaloids.

In an interview on his retirement, he said he didn’t expect to get the job after being a bit forthright about how he thought the industry should develop.

“I said to my wife, well that’s it, I won’t be hearing from those blokes again,” he said.

“Then much to my surprise, they rang me a couple of weeks later to ask why I hadn’t ­responded to their job offer.”

As one of the company’s field officers Mr Rockliff senior said that originally convincing farmers to give poppies a go was challenging.

“Our job was to go out and get poppy ground, as much of it as we could,” he said.

“My area in those days went from Cape Grim through to Dunalley, so it was a big area to cover. I remember on my first day getting to the top of the driveway and thinking do I turn left or right.”

His persistence paid off as the industry grew.

“One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was to always employ people who are better than yourself because they will make you look good and that’s what I’ve tried to do,” he said.

“If I’ve had any success it’s because of that.

‘We’ve had some fantastic people working with the company and that’s one of the things I think I’ve enjoyed most.”