Former Queensland premier Mike Ahern, who held the post from 1987 to 1989, has been farewelled at a state funeral in Caloundra following his death at the age of 81.
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00:00 We've watched dozens of people, including current and former Australian politicians,
00:06 particularly from Queensland, arrive here this morning to honour former Premier Mike
00:10 Ahern.
00:11 The 81-year-old died of cancer in Caloundra earlier this month.
00:16 He only served as Premier of Queensland for two years, but he's being remembered for the
00:22 significant impact he made on how governments operate.
00:26 Taking over from Sir Joe Bioka-Peterson, he served in a tumultuous period of Queensland
00:32 politics during the explosive Fitzgerald inquiry into official corruption.
00:38 It was when he was receiving the long-awaited report when he uttered the phrase that defined
00:44 his premiership.
00:46 He said, "We'll be implementing the Fitzgerald recommendations, lock, stock and barrel."
00:51 Now, Meg, as you mentioned there, Mr Ahern, he served as a politician during a very turbulent
00:59 time in Queensland politics.
01:01 What have people been saying about him?
01:04 Yeah, he was the member for Lansborough here for 22 years and was also the youngest MP
01:12 to ever be elected in Queensland, earning him the nickname the "Conindale Kid", which
01:17 is after the town that he grew up in.
01:20 And we've heard even recently Mr Ahern was really proud of what our local farmers were
01:25 producing and it was being sold down at the Brisbane markets.
01:30 As Mr Ahern's son, John, greeted people at the door today, several from the agricultural
01:37 industry thanked him for his dad's service and what he did for them.
01:42 John addressed the funeral service just moments ago.
01:46 Sure, my dad was a politician, but to me he was much more than that.
01:52 My dad had guts, unwavering determination and a mastery of a clutch, which was something
01:59 to be admired.
02:02 But his superpower was his ability to think under pressure.
02:08 I know I've got big shoes to fill.
02:11 I will try to be that leader, to live dad's example all the days of my life.
02:17 In attendance was also former Governor-General Dame Quintin Bryce, the Governor of Queensland,
02:23 Jeanette Young, Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk, along with her father and Opposition Leader
02:29 Peter Dutton, Opposition Leader for the state as well, David Chrisofully.
02:34 The service is wrapping up at the moment.
02:36 It's due to finish just before one o'clock when Mr Ahern will then be laid to rest.
02:41 [BLANK_AUDIO]