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HomeAUBeloved Queensland Senator Passes Away at Age 85 After Long Service

Beloved Queensland Senator Passes Away at Age 85 After Long Service

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Boswell, who was born in Perth but spent most of his life in Queensland, was a Senator for the National Party for 31 years, and served as the party’s leader in the upper house for 17 years.

During his political career, Ron Boswell served as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Howard government and held several significant roles while in opposition, including the position of Shadow Minister for Regional Development.

Ron Boswell was Father of the Senate from 2008-2014 when he retired.
Ron Boswell won re-election on six ocassions after first entering parliament in 1983. (Penny Bradfield)

From 2008 to 2014, Boswell was honored with the title of Father of the Senate, reflecting his long-standing influence in Australian politics.

Reflecting on his legacy, a fellow politician remarked, “Ron was a Nationals Elder and a statesman of the highest order, a giant of our great cause, and a lifelong advocate for families, small business, and regional and rural Australia.”

Nationals leader David Littleproud addresses the media at a doorstop interview at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 26 November 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Nationals leader David Littleproud called Boswell “one of a kind”. (Alex Ellinghausen)

He added, “Ron Boswell was truly a unique politician. His legacy has contributed to a better Australia.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also recognized Boswell’s contributions, describing him as a “great Queenslander.”

“He took principled stances about people who would seek to divide the nation. He was someone who was firmly focused on the national interest.”

Boswell began his parliamentary career in 1983 after joining the Nationals nine years before, and won re-election on six further occasions before announcing his retirement from politics at the 2013 election.

He was a critic of same-sex marriage, and supported the creation of the Liberal National Party in Queensland after the 2007 election.

Boswell married Leila Beattie, who encouraged him to enter politics, in 1966. Beattie died in 2021.

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