The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet advises a State Funeral for the Hon Michael John Ahern AO, will be held at 11am on Friday 25 August 2023 in Caloundra, Queensland.
Mr Ahern was elected to the seat of Landsborough from 1968, until his retirement from Parliament in 1990. He was the Premier of Queensland between December 1987 and September 1989. During his 22 years of service, Mr Ahern also held the position of Government Whip and Treasurer, and held a number of ministerial portfolios which included Primary Industries; Industry, Small Business and Technology; and Health and Environment.
In 2007, Mr Ahern was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the Queensland Parliament, to economic and trade development through fostering primary production and international relationships, and to the community through technological, medical research, educational and charitable organisations.
Details regarding the service and livestreaming can be found at The Honourable Michael John Ahern AO
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Friday 25 August 2023 in Queensland only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer