Former Tasmanian premier Tony Rundle dies aged 86 leaving behind a ‘positive legacy’

He was only Premier of Tasmania for a short period, but Tony Rundle is being remembered as a ‘remarkable man’ who left behind a ‘positive legacy’ while leading the state through some of its ‘darkest days’.

Mr Rundle, who was premier of Tasmania between March 1996 to September 1998 and a long-serving Liberal Member for Braddon, between 1986 and 2002, has died aged 86.

In a heartfelt release, current Premier Jeremy Rockliff paid tribute to Mr Rundle as a mentor and a reformist who never shied away from the challenge of leadership.

“Tony was a leader of conviction who set a courageous agenda in difficult economic times,” the Premier said.

“Tony became premier at a time of change all around the world; he understood the extent of the changes and the need for Tasmania to change too.

“Tony was a strong advocate of the private sector but understood that the Government had an important part to play in preparing Tasmania for the 21st century.”

During his short leadership he made great progress, including leading Tasmania to be the first state to publicly apologise to the Stolen Generations and to decriminalise homosexual activity in 1997.

“As Premier, he remodelled TAFE Tasmania and established Service Tasmania, negotiated Australia’s first Regional Forest Agreement, got BassLink underway, and delivered the State’s apology to our Aboriginal community,” Mr Rockliff said.

“As Treasurer during Ray Groom’s premiership, he strongly supported the extension of shop trading hours and established the Superannuation Provision Account to help meet the State’s public sector superannuation liabilities.”

Mr Rockliff recalled Mr Rundle as being “a tower of strength and compassion” as he led Tasmanians through the shock, grief and trauma of the tragedy at Port Arthur.

“In unity with Prime Minister John Howard, he drove critical gun law reform that all Australians benefit from today.”

He continued to say, “Tony was intelligent, kind and considered”.

“A remarkable man, leaving a positive legacy,” Mr Rockliff said.

“Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Caroline, Helen and Jane. We’ve lost a fine Tasmanian.”

Politicians, including Liberal MP Michael Ferguson took to Facebook to share their condolences.

“Our last serving Tasmanian Liberal Premier of the 20th century,” Mr Ferguson wrote.

“He was a true reformist and led our State through some of our darkest of days alongside Prime Minister, John Howard.

“My heart goes out to his family. Rest peacefully, Tony.”