CANEGROWERS remembers Mr Ron Boswell AO

Mr Boswell hailed from regional Queensland and served the state for many years as a Senator and Deputy Leader of the National Party.

Throughout his public life, he was known for his deep understanding of rural industries and his willingness to stand up for them when it mattered.

“For Queensland cane growers, Ron was someone who listened,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.

“He took a genuine interest in the sugar industry, particularly during periods of upheaval and reform, and understood the pressures growers faced from global markets, trade negotiations and policy change.”

Mr Menkens remembered Mr Boswell’s support for the industry as practical and sincere.

“Ron took the time to understand the sugar industry and the people behind it,” he said.

“He didn’t see sugar as a talking point – he saw it as families, jobs and communities. When big decisions were being made, Ron asked how they would land on growers. That question mattered, and growers knew he was asking it on their behalf.”

Former CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri, who worked closely with Mr Boswell over many years, said his impact on agriculture was profound.

“Ron was an absolute powerhouse of Australian politics and a well-known, well-loved Senator for Queensland,” Mr Schembri said.

“He was deeply passionate about rural and regional communities and an unfailing advocate for agriculture, fishing and forestry. He had a particular affection for the sugar industry and, on many occasions, went in to bat for growers.”

Mr Schembri said Mr Boswell remained closely engaged with the industry.

“He stayed in touch to see what he could do to help and played a leading role in supporting growers to achieve marketing choice in sugar,” he said.

“He will be remembered as a champion of Australian agriculture who genuinely cared about farming families and regional communities.”

CANEGROWERS extends its sincere condolences to Mr Boswell’s family and loved ones, and to the many regional communities mourning his passing.

His contribution to Queensland agriculture, and to the sugar industry in particular, will be remembered with genuine appreciation.