OBITUARY

Michael Ahern died on 11/08/2023.

The Hon Michael Ahern was elected to the Academy in 1997 for his role in establishing highly innovative technology policy for Queensland. He remained a Queensland Division member and active member of our Water, Health, Education, and Energy forums.

Michael was Queensland’s first Technology Minister after being the Primary Industries Minister and completing a degree in agricultural science in 1964 (at the time, he was the only minister with a tertiary education). He then went on to become the Premier in 1987 while continuing his mission of transforming the state into a “technology- based community better equipped to handle the challenges of the future.”

After his retirement from politics in 1990, Michael became directly involved in technology advancement for Australia as the Chair of several technology companies in fields ranging from space and satellite communications to bagasse processing for livestock feeds.

Michael had incredible knowledge of the development and commercialisation of technology both nationally and internationally. He was a successful consultant to construction companies, manufacturers and investment groups.

Michael is remembered as a pinnacle figure of Queensland politics, a good-humoured and loving family member to which he is survived by his wife, Andrea, and children, Louise, Claire, John, Christine, and Sharon, and 10 grandchildren. 

The Hon Mike Ahern was responsible for the establishment of a highly innovative technology policy for Queensland.

Since his retirement from politics he has become directly involved in technology for Australia as the Chair of several high technology companies in fields ranging from space and satellite communications to the processing of bagasse for livestock feeds.

He has a profound knowledge of the development and commercialisation of technology both nationally and internationally. He is a successful consultant to construction companies, manufacturers and investment groups.

He has been proactive and devoted considerable time to being Chair of the newly created Queensland Committee for the Academy's Crawford Fund.