Nationals giant and relentless bush advocate Ron Boswell dies aged 85

The former Queensland senator retired from federal parliament in 2014 and will be remembered as one of the most colourful and admired champions of rural Australia on the federal political stage.

Born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1940, Mr Boswell, or "Bozzie" to friends and colleagues, was elected to the Senate for Queensland in 1983 and became one of the defining figures of the Nationals during a parliamentary career where he spent more than three decades on the senate's red leather benches.

For supporters, Mr Boswell's legacy is simple: he never forgot who sent him to Canberra, and he quickly established himself as a relentless advocate for small business operators, farmers and regional Australians who he believed were too often forgotten by Canberra.

Known as the Father of the Senate, he was reelected six times for the Nationals and later the LNP, was the leader of the Nationals in the Senate from 1990 to 2007 and was deeply involved in a range of debates that continue to shape regional politics, from gun reform to water policy, the rise of the far-right, to native title and infrastructure.

His influence came not through showmanship, but persistence, procedural skill and an unshakeable belief that the bush deserved not scraps but a seat at the national decision-making table.

He held the shadow portfolios of Regional Development and External Territories from 1988-90, Northern Australia and External Territories from 1993-94 and Consumer Affairs in 1994 - all areas dear to his heart.

In 1999, Mr Boswell was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, a post he held until 2003.

After leaving Parliament, Boswell remained a respected - and sometimes feared - elder of the Nationals, unafraid to criticise his own party publicly when he believed it strayed from its base.

He also mentored many aspiring conservative politicians.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said Mr Boswell was a "statesman of the highest order".

"Above all though, Ron Boswell was a powerful champion for the everyday small business people, farmers, fishers and their families," he said.

"He was effective because he understood firsthand what it takes to start with an idea, work hard and build a successful business.

"Ron had a big heart for The Nationals, but an even bigger love for his country and his family.

"(He) was truly a one-of-a-kind politician. His legacy leaves behind a better Australia."

After his parliamentary career ended, Mr Boswell continued to support important party work, particularly influencing energy policy through The Nationals' organisational processes and forums during the recent Coalition governments.

Mr Boswell's memoir, "Not Pretty, But Pretty Effective", so named after a campaign slogan, was published in 2023.

He nominated improvements in rural communications as a key win and considered an electoral win over Pauline Hanson's One Nation as his greatest.

"In the fight of my life, against Pauline Hanson, I risked everything to stand up against her aggressive, narrow view of Australia," he told the Senate in his valedictory speech.

"Defeating Pauline Hanson and One Nation in 2001 has been my greatest political achievement."

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2020.