Published Monday, 04 June, 2007 at 06:22 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
VALE TOM BURNS
Premier Peter Beattie has extended the offer of a State funeral to the family of Tom Burns AO.
“Tom passed away suddenly early this morning, “ Mr Beattie said.
“I have spoken to his wife Angela and extended the offer of a State funeral and she has accepted.
“Tom made an outstanding contribution to public life in Queensland.
“He undertook six years military service for the Royal Australian Air Force, served for more than twenty years in the Queensland Parliament and more recently did outstanding work for my Government as Chairman of the Queensland-China Council.
“He is recognised nationally and internationally for his historic role in helping forge stronger links between China and Australia.
“He accompanied Gough Whitlam on Australia’s first official delegation to China.
“Over the years he continued to develop this relationship and is one of the very few Australian political figures to have met four generations of Chinese leaders
“Tom’s knowledge and love of China, its leaders, geography and people meant that he was extremely valuable to Queensland in the Government’s bid to increase our exports to China.
“Later, I took further advantage of Tom’s love of Asia and his ability to open doors and make things happen by appointing him the Queensland Government Special Representative to Vietnam.”
In January 2001 Tom Burns was made an officer in the Order of Australia for his contribution to Australia China relations over three decades.
In the same year, he received the Gold Magnolia Honorary Award from the Shanghai Government for his contributions to Chinese-Australian relations. He was the first Australian not of Chinese heritage to win this award.
In 2003 Queensland University of Technology awarded Tom an honorary doctorate for his work in China.
He served for more than 20 years in Queensland Parliament in a variety of roles including as Deputy Premier (7 December 1989 to 19 February 1996), Minister for Tourism, Sport and Youth (31 July 1995 to 19 February 1996), Minister for Emergency Services, Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Rural Affairs (16 December 1994 – 31 July 1995), Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Rural Communities and Consumer Affairs (18 October 1993 – 16 December 1994), Minister for Administrative Services and Minister for Rural Communities 24 September 1992 – October 1993, and Minister for Housing and Local Government (7 December 1989 to 24 September 1992).
“Like thousands of Queenslanders I have many fond memories of Tom Burns,” he said.
“On behalf of my Government I would like to pass on condolences to his family and friends.
“He will be sadly missed.”
4 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500
“Tom passed away suddenly early this morning, “ Mr Beattie said.
“I have spoken to his wife Angela and extended the offer of a State funeral and she has accepted.
“Tom made an outstanding contribution to public life in Queensland.
“He undertook six years military service for the Royal Australian Air Force, served for more than twenty years in the Queensland Parliament and more recently did outstanding work for my Government as Chairman of the Queensland-China Council.
“He is recognised nationally and internationally for his historic role in helping forge stronger links between China and Australia.
“He accompanied Gough Whitlam on Australia’s first official delegation to China.
“Over the years he continued to develop this relationship and is one of the very few Australian political figures to have met four generations of Chinese leaders
“Tom’s knowledge and love of China, its leaders, geography and people meant that he was extremely valuable to Queensland in the Government’s bid to increase our exports to China.
“Later, I took further advantage of Tom’s love of Asia and his ability to open doors and make things happen by appointing him the Queensland Government Special Representative to Vietnam.”
In January 2001 Tom Burns was made an officer in the Order of Australia for his contribution to Australia China relations over three decades.
In the same year, he received the Gold Magnolia Honorary Award from the Shanghai Government for his contributions to Chinese-Australian relations. He was the first Australian not of Chinese heritage to win this award.
In 2003 Queensland University of Technology awarded Tom an honorary doctorate for his work in China.
He served for more than 20 years in Queensland Parliament in a variety of roles including as Deputy Premier (7 December 1989 to 19 February 1996), Minister for Tourism, Sport and Youth (31 July 1995 to 19 February 1996), Minister for Emergency Services, Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Premier on Rural Affairs (16 December 1994 – 31 July 1995), Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Rural Communities and Consumer Affairs (18 October 1993 – 16 December 1994), Minister for Administrative Services and Minister for Rural Communities 24 September 1992 – October 1993, and Minister for Housing and Local Government (7 December 1989 to 24 September 1992).
“Like thousands of Queenslanders I have many fond memories of Tom Burns,” he said.
“On behalf of my Government I would like to pass on condolences to his family and friends.
“He will be sadly missed.”
4 June, 2007
Further inquiries: Premier’s Office: 3224 4500