Griffith University today paid tribute to former Queensland Premier Wayne Goss who has died aged 63.
Mr Goss was Labor Premier from 1989 to 1996. He was awarded a Doctor of the University in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to the community.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor said when Mr Goss entered parliament as the Member for Salisbury in 1983, he became part of a new generation of Labor politicians determined to modernise their party and the state.
“He was promptly elected to the frontbench as Shadow Minister for Lands, Forestry and Police and in 1985 he became Shadow Minister for Justice and Attorney General,’’ he said.
After what he described as the ‘mammoth task’ of uniting Labor’s factions and developing a solid policy platform, Mr Goss and Labor entered government promising reform following the Fitzgerald Inquiry. Mr Goss said he considered his greatest legacy to the state was dismantling the gerrymandered electoral system.
Retiring from politics due to ill health, Mr Goss took on several consultancies and directorships including serving as Chair of the Queensland Art Gallery Board of Trustees.
“Queensland and Australia has lost a great man but one whose legacy will remain for future generations,’’ Professor O’Connor said.