I got to know Rod when he was a Minister in the Bligh Government and he was Arts Minister.
We had a lot of debates about the world after he discovered I had an interest in politics and he had an interest in architecture.
Later he joined a lunch group with Michael Rayner and John Mainwaring that was less about the food and drink and more about the exchange of ideas. We could solve any problem!
Later while I was working in Vietnam he got in touch, and we caught up in Singapore at a WOHA Architects exhibition, and again he impressed with his understanding of other cultures.
Rod was very fit, he put our group to shame – well maybe not John — with his swimming ability and surf lifesaving.
Sadly that fitness disguised the symptoms of a cancer. He called me to say he was undergoing chemotherapy but it was Stage 4 when it was caught. He did his best to beat it but in the end, it got him. He was a young 66 years old.
What a life! Degrees in law and environmental management, 20 years as a Member of Parliament, 12 years as a Minister.
And what an effective Minister, establishing the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, introducing land clearing legislation, a national-scale water efficiency program, river systems protected, and a Regional Forest Agreement that expanded national parklands by over 400,000 hectares. He was a reformist Attorney General and Education Minister and a terrific Minister for the Arts – he was highly engaged with the arts industry.
What I loved about Rod was that he listened, and if he disagreed with you he would tell you without putting you down. A formidable intellect, he could get to the heart of things quickly with integrity, independent thinking, and ability to bring environmental and social issues to the fore amid political complexities.
He had a busy life after politics – he and a business partner approached large mining companies with a challenge that if he could reduce their environmental costs by 25 per cent he could keep a percentage of the savings. They were very successful, making money while reducing the environmental impact of their clients. He was unafraid of taking a risk.
Rod is survived by Gayle, his partner of 32 years, his beloved daughter Lisa, his mother Gwen, and sister Karen. He was a devoted family man.
He donated $1 million to Queensland Gives to support causes such as environmental protection, social reform, and education. As CEO of the Australian Council of Recycling he served on boards for renewable energy, water management, and recycling industry groups while also engaged in academia, energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives, charity work, and lifesaving societies.
I thought I knew him well but the memorial showed me there were more sides to him that even I knew.
We had dinner two weeks before he died and it was clear the end was near. With his passing Queensland has lost a visionary leader, dedicated public servant, and compassionate advocate.
He redefined environmental stewardship and education in the state, all while living with a generous and engaging spirit. There were never enough espresso martinis!
His legacy, not only in reform but also in love, humour, and service, will continue to inspire Queenslanders in the years ahead.
May he rest in peace, and may his values endure.
