Moving farewell to political giant
AUSTRALIA’S longest-serving deputy prime minister was farewelled by family, friends and a slew of past and present politicians in Tweed Heads on Thursday.
Doug Anthony AC served under prime ministers John Gorton, William McMahon and Malcolm Fraser. He died peacefully, aged 90, in the Heritage Lodge aged-care home in Murwillumbah on December 20.
Mr Anthony’s daughter Jane said the family had been inundated by stories and memories of the man who “was something special to so many people”. She said her dad “always had an eye for Margot”, who he married in 1957.
“He was smitten, but she wasn’t. He simply hung in there and kept trying – it took him six years to win her heart. So with his forever love by his side … he entered politics at the age of 27. What a breath of fresh air he would have been.
“He had a steady personal compass, many good, lifelong friends. With Margot by his side, he felt invincible.”
Mr Anthony’s son Dougald said he’d been privileged to share many experiences with him. “We owe dad a debt of gratitude for introducing us to so many colourful and interesting people from all walks of life.
“Dad encouraged us all to be optimistic, have confidence to try different things in life, give it a go, seize opportunities – and make sure you have fun along the way.”
Gallery operator Philip Bacon paid tribute to his friend – Mr and Mrs Anthony donated the breathtaking land where the Tweed Regional Gallery and Margaret Olley Centre now sits.
“Doug Anthony was a visionary, mentor, neighbour and friend to so many of us. A man of rare ability, one who touched and changed the world,” he said.
PM Scott Morrison and deputy prime minister Michael McCormack gave a reading and former Nationals Leader Ian Sinclair paid his respects via recorded message.
Son Larry Anthony, federal president of the Nationals, gave a eulogy, saying the Tweed River, which runs through the family’s farm Sunnymeadows, flowed like his father’s 90 years of life. “Dad’s life had this flow. He was a man of purpose, courage and intent and also had a gentle, generous side.”
Former prime minister John Howard said Mr Anthony was “a person who made an everlasting contribution to the solidity and strength to that side of politics”.
“Doug Anthony exuded many qualities. The two that shone through to me were the qualities of strength and decency,” he said.
“He was a very strong man, he didn’t bully people but the strength of his personality, the strength of his arguments, shone through.
“He leaves behind an abundant family legacy, and as a political figure he combined that strength and decency as part of his actual character and personality.
“I shall remember him with enormous personal affection.”
Larry Anthony said those who happened to walk down to the river at Sunnymeadows, could stand under the casuarina tree to feel close to his father. “Rest in peace Dad, your journey is done.”
HE WAS A VERY STRONG MAN, HE DIDN’T BULLY PEOPLE BUT THE STRENGTH OF HIS PERSONALITY, THE STRENGTH OF HIS ARGUMENTS, SHONE THROUGH
FORMER PM JOHN HOWARD