We received the sad news today of the passing of former Liberal Party member, Ewen Thomas Jones, after his enduring battle with cancer.
Ewen was elected as the Member for Herbert in 2010, serving for six years.
He was loyal to his Party and his constituents. A true champion of liberal values, Ewen fought relentlessly for the people in and around Townsville.
In his maiden speech, Ewen promised the people of Townsville he would work for their betterment ‘without fear or favour’. And that’s exactly what he did.
Ewen was a strong supporter of James Cook University and its research endeavours. He cared deeply for our men and women in uniform and looking after our veterans. He was a strong advocate for advancing public health, especially for Indigenous Australians, spending much time with the community on Palm Island.
Ewen said that small business is ‘the engine room of our economy and it is what makes us a great nation’. He believed that too much tax was levelled at those who could least afford it and that good government was about simple rules which allowed all to prosper rather than a system which hobbled people out of existence.
What made Ewen tick was his desire to stand up for those down and out in his community and country. He said:
“No-one will be left behind while I have the ability to help. I can only imagine what it is like for someone who has fallen completely through the cracks.”
During his time in Parliament, Ewen served with distinction as the Government Whip and on several standing committees, most notably, those on Appropriations and Administration and on Education and Employment, including as the latter’s Chair. He was also a member of the Joint Standing Committee Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
A jovial man who was a marvellous teller of jokes and a captivating storyteller, Ewen will be greatly missed and always remembered.
On behalf of the Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Ewen’s wife Linda, his children Abbie, Emma and Andrew, his wider family, friends and colleagues.
May he rest in peace.