Flags were flown at half-mast across Australia on January 12, 2024, as former Queensland senator and prominent National Party figure, Ron Boswell, was laid to rest during a state funeral in Brisbane. The ceremony attracted a wide array of political leaders from various parties, highlighting a rare moment of unity in a typically polarized political landscape.
The attendees included current Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former Prime Minister John Howard, both of whom paid tribute to Mr Boswell’s significant contributions to Australian politics. Mr Howard, in his eulogy, reflected on Boswell’s character, describing him as a “devoted family man” with great “decency and honour.” He emphasized Boswell’s unwavering commitment to Australia, Queensland, and the National Party, stating, “Ron we thank you and we thank God for you.”
Mr Boswell passed away on January 6, 2024, at the age of 85. He was a defining figure within the Nationals, leading the party in the Senate from 1990 until his retirement in 2007. His political career continued until 2014, when he stepped back from public life at the age of 74. During the Howard government, he served as Parliamentary Secretary and Minister for Transport and Regional Services from 1999 to 2003.
His daughter, Catherine Boswell, spoke fondly of her father’s drive, stating, “Dad was inspired not by power but by purpose. Politics was a way to build a better country, protect the vulnerable, and ensure that Australians were treated with fairness and dignity.”
Mr Howard also reminisced about the ‘Bos call’, a term reflecting Mr Boswell’s relentless dedication to his constituents, particularly noted for his persistent phone calls advocating on their behalf. “You could never escape the Boswell phone call,” he remarked.
Throughout his career, Mr Boswell was a staunch advocate for small businesses, primary industries, and traditional family values. He worked tirelessly to give a voice to regional Australians. In recognition of his service, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020.
The gathering also underscored a moment of political solidarity amidst recent societal challenges, including the aftermath of the Bondi shooting incident. Notable figures in attendance included Nationals leader David Littleproud, former Nationals leader turned One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce, and former Liberal leader Peter Dutton, alongside the Governor and Premier of Queensland.
Mr Howard highlighted one of Mr Boswell’s most significant contributions: his fight against anti-Semitism. He recalled a powerful speech made in Parliament in 1988, where Boswell called for unity to combat extremism. “In the context of today where all the parties of Australia are concerned about anti-Semitism, Ron preached against it with passion,” Mr Howard stated.
The service concluded with a prayer led by Father Michael Twigg, who called on politicians to honor Mr Boswell’s legacy by working towards national unity. He expressed hope for a balance between safety and freedoms during turbulent times, stating, “A special blessing for all those who are in public life and hold those positions of trust from our community… I pray in this era of time you can get balance between safety and freedoms.”
As attendees departed, the shared memories and collective respect for Ron Boswell served as a reminder of the values he championed throughout his life and career.
