Queensland to host State Funeral for Sir Leo Hielscher

• A State Funeral to be held on 28 August in honour of the late Sir Leo Hielscher.
• State Funeral to honour Sir Leo’s dedicated service to the development and economic growth of Queensland.
• Queenslanders invited to offer condolences to Sir Leo’s family. 

The family of the late Sir Leo Hielscher has accepted the Premier’s offer of a State Funeral to honour the visionary behind modern Queensland’s economic transformation. 

The State Funeral will take place on Thursday 28 August, commencing at 2pm at Brisbane City Hall, and Queenslanders can send their condolences to Sir Leo’s family via an online condolence book. 

Born in Eumundi on 1 October 1926, Sir Leo will be remembered for almost seven decades of dedicated service to the people of Queensland, including leading the establishment of the Queensland Treasury Corporation from 1988. 

During his time in public service, Sir Leo served as Queensland’s Deputy Under Treasurer and Under Treasurer, reporting to 10 Premiers and 15 Treasurers across the political spectrum. 

He was the Queensland Treasury Corporation’s foundation Chairman, a position he held for 22 years before retiring in 2010. 

Under Sir Leo’s leadership, major projects which fuelled significant infrastructure development and economic growth for the state were made possible, such as the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank and the Gateway Bridge, renamed later in his honour. 

He also played a pivotal role in the global success of game changing events for Queensland including the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo 88, held in Brisbane. 

Sir Leo received the Knight Bachelor in 1987, conferred by Her late Majesty Queensland Elizabeth II for his outstanding and distinguished service as an Officer of the Crown. 

In 2001 he was accorded the Centenary Medal for distinguished service through the Queensland Public Service. 

Sir Leo was bestowed the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2004 for service to economic growth and development, to business and finance, and to the community through strong support for major arts, cultural sporting and charitable organisations. 

He was named a Queensland Great in 2007, recognised as one of the key figures responsible for transforming Queensland’s economy over multiple decades. 

Premier David Crisafulli said the State had lost a state-builder and the grandfather of modern Queensland, following the passing of Sir Leo.  

“Sir Leo helped set the foundations of Queensland’s economy and industry growth for more than half a century, and shaped the State we know today,” Premier Crisafulli said. 

“We are thankful to Sir Leo and his family which supported him to dedicate a lifetime to serving the State in many capacities. 

“Sir Leo has left an undeniable legacy for Queensland and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.