Flo’s family seeks a state funeral
THE son of Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen said yesterday that his family would welcome a state funeral in honour of his mother.
“If the government wanted to give Mum one, we would accept that,’’ John Bjelke-Petersen said.
“If not, we will go ahead and do our own thing.”
He said he had not heard from anyone in the State Government, although the family phone had been constantly engaged with people ringing to offer their sympathies since Lady Bjelke-Petersen’s sudden death on Wednesday.
Lady Bjelke-Petersen was a towering figure in Queensland life as the wife of Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, and as a senator for 12 years.
John Bjelke-Petersen said his mother had lived a “big life” and left an indelible mark on Queensland society.
He said he would hope to see a funeral service conducted from Kingaroy Town hall.
“But we haven’t made any arrangements. We will cross our bridges when we come to them.”
Mr Bjelke-Petersen, who lives on the family property, Bethany, near Kingaroy, said the family was moved by the outpouring of grief for the woman known to Queenslanders as Lady Flo.
Meanwhile, the conservative One Nation party has called on Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to grant a state funeral.
“It will show respect for a person who has delivered so much for the state,” Queensland leader Steve Dickson said.
A state funeral does seem likely, with a spokesman for Ms Palaszczuk saying efforts were being made to contact the family.
A spokesman said protocol officers would also speak to Federal Government officers about likely involvement.
Lady Flo died at 3.46pm on Wednesday at Lutheran Services Orana Aged Care Service in Kingaroy, where she had lived since August 2014.
The service said she had died after a short illness, and was surrounded by her family and loved ones including her sister Margaret Gilmour.
“Until recently she actively participated as organist for church within the Orana community and other aged care facilities in Kingaroy,” the service said in a statement.
“She will be sorely missed by her family many across Queensland and beyond.”