If not for a bold tax reform in the 1970s, the life and career of the Hon Rob Borbidge AO - and the political landscape of Queensland - might have unfolded very differently. Raised on a sheep farm in Victoria, it was the abolition of Queensland's death duties that spurred his family to relocate to the Gold Coast. This move eventually led Rob to be elected as the Member for Surfers Paradise, a position he held with distinction for over 20 years, before becoming Queensland’s 35th Premier in 1996. In this inspiring conversation, Rob reflects on his formative years, the moment that sparked his political career and his extensive community work with LifeFlight Australia and Destination Gold Coast. He shares his thoughts on the essence of leadership, the importance of giving back, and the legacy he has helped shape as one of Queensland’s most respected elder statesmen.
About Rob
The Hon Robert Borbidge AO was the 35th Premier of Queensland and served as the state member for Surfers Paradise from 1980 to 2001. Since his resignation from the Queensland Parliament in 2001 he has held a number of Board positions. In 2006 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University. He is also former Chair of the Board of Advice for the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University. From 2013 until 2024, Rob served as Chair of LifeFlight Australia, one of the world's largest not-for-profit aero medical and rescue providers. In July 2023 he was appointed Chair of Experience Gold Coast by Gold Coast City Council.
