Free Republic

Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen will be remembered as one of Queensland's most influential political figures, Prime Minister John Howard says. In a statement issued by his Canberra office, Mr Howard - who has left China en route for Anzac commemorations in Turkey - said Sir Joh was a powerful conservative with strong convictions. "While his views may often have differed from his political opponents, no one could deny his love of Queensland," Mr Howard said. Sir Joh died on Saturday aged 94 in hospital in his home town of Kingaroy in south-east Queensland. Referring to the Sir Joh's tough upbringing, Mr...