John Gayler, former Member for Leichhardt, dies aged 79
John Gayler, remembered as a tireless advocate for Far North Queensland
The long-serving former Member for Leichhardt, John Gayler, died last Wednesday and will be remembered as a charismatic leader, who fought fearlessly for his electorate.
Representing the Australian Labor Party, Mr Gayler won the seat of Leichhardt in 1983, from David Thomson, who represented the National Party.
He won the admiration of a young Albo
“I remember chatting to a very young Anthony Albanese many, many years ago at the Bangalow Hotel and he whispered to me, ‘Is that John Gayler?’’”, John Phillips, a long-time friend, recounted. “Albo was in awe; he went straight up to John and shook his hand and had a chat. My friend, John, inspired many people and achieved so much.”
As an MP and Lawyer John Gayler built a strong reputation in the community as an advocate for social justice and worked tirelessly to put Far North Queensland on the tourism world stage creating the infrastructure to open the Great Barrier Reef to international, and local tourism.
“As a Member of Parliament, he was visionary. Cairns and Port Douglas were backwaters back in those days. John was one of the leading advocates who saw a new economic path through tourism,” said Michael Hodgkins, who knew Mr Gayler for many years and was one of the many people who benefited from his hard work in tourism.
An advocate for First Nations People
After serving four terms in Parliament, he will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for the Indigenous population. "We used to travel to the islands in the Torres Straight and he was embraced by the communities. There was so much trust, he was warmly welcomed everywhere he went," John said.
A passion for life
Mr Gayler was passionate about interests outside politics. As a sportsperson, he became one of the stars of his Rugby League club. “It wasn't just sports, I remember my Bush Band, ‘Mangrove Jack’, was on stage at some hotel, and I looked down to see John toe-tapping away, while chatting to others,” Hodgkin said.
In remembering Mr Gayler, Hodgkins says, “he was a ‘man of his era’ and will be missed by many”.
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