Who Is Joh Bjelke-Petersen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 13, 1911, Joh Bjelke-Petersen served as the Premier of Queensland for 19 years, from 1968 to 1987. He was a significant figure in Australian politics, known for his controversial policies and long tenure. In 2025, he would be 114 years old, although he passed away on April 23, 2005. His legacy continues to spark discussions regarding his political influence and governance style.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1911 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | Dannevirke, New Zealand |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Date of death | 23 April, 2005 |
| Died Place | Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia |
Popularity
Joh Bjelke-Petersen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 165 lbs (75 kg)
- Body Stats: As of his time in office, Joh maintained a sturdy physique, which contributed to his authoritative presence in the political arena.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joh Bjelke-Petersen was married to his beloved wife, Flo Bjelke-Petersen, whom he married in 1938. They shared a long-lasting partnership until his death in 2005. The couple had four children: John, Jane, and two others who maintained a relatively low profile. As of 2025, there are no reports of dating or romantic relationships as he is no longer living.
He was the second of three children born to Maren (Poulsen) and Carl George Bjelke-Petersen. His parents were both Danish emigrants to Australia; his mother had arrived in Queensland as a child while his father moved to Australia as a young man. His father's siblings included prominent novelist Marie Bjelke-Petersen and physical culture advocate Christian Bjelke-Petersen.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Joh Bjelke-Petersen's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, considering his long political career, investments, and properties. While precise figures posthumously are difficult to ascertain, it is understood that he accumulated considerable wealth from his public service and private ventures.
Queensland was renowned for being the lowest taxed state in Australia for much of Bjelke-Petersen's tenure. Over heated objections by Treasurer Gordon Chalk, Bjelke-Petersen in 1977 announced the removal of state death duties, a move that cost his state $30 million in revenue.
So many New South Wales and Victorian residents sought to establish their permanent address in Queensland as a result, boosting state coffers with stamp duty from property transactions, that other states followed suit within months and also abolished the tax.
To help compensate for lost revenue, the government introduced football pools; four years later the government granted a casino licence on the Gold Coast, although this too was mired in allegations of corruption and favouritism.
Career, Business and Investments
Joh Bjelke-Petersen's political career began with his election to the Queensland Parliament in 1947. During his time as Premier, he championed economic growth and infrastructure development, though his governance was not without controversy, especially regarding his stance on issues such as civil liberties and land rights.
Outside of politics, he was involved in various agricultural investments. His reputation as a devoted farmer also added to his business portfolio, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting Queensland’s agricultural sector.
In 1933, Bjelke-Petersen began work land-clearing and peanut farming on the family's newly acquired second property. His efforts eventually allowed him to begin work as a contract land-clearer and to acquire further capital which he invested in farm equipment and natural resource exploration.
He developed a technique for quickly clearing scrub by connecting a heavy anchor chain between two bulldozers. By the time he was 30, he was a prosperous farmer and businessman. Obtaining a pilot's licence early in his adult life, Bjelke-Petersen also started aerial spraying and grass seeding to further speed up pasture development in Queensland.
Social Network
Joh Bjelke-Petersen was quite active in the social and political circles during his lifetime. He cultivated strong relationships with several key figures in both state and federal politics. His legacy continues to be discussed through various platforms that analyze Australian political history, including social media and online forums.
After failing in a 1944 plebiscite against the sitting member to gain Country Party endorsement in the state seat of Nanango, based on Kingaroy, Bjelke-Petersen was elected in 1946 to the Kingaroy Shire Council, where he developed a profile in the Country Party.
With the support of local federal member and shire council chairman Sir Charles Adermann and state opposition leader Sir Frank Nicklin, he gained Country Party endorsement for Nanango and was elected a year later at age 36, going on to give regular radio talks and becoming secretary of the local Nationals branch.
He would hold this seat, renamed Barambah in 1950, for the next 40 years. The Labor Party had held power in Queensland since 1932 and Bjelke-Petersen spent eleven years as an opposition member.
Education
Joh's educational background includes his formative years in country schools in Queensland. While he didn't attend a university, his practical experiences and self-education played a significant role in shaping his political ideology and leadership style.
His family moved back to Australia when he was a child and settled on farming property near Kingaroy, Queensland. He left school at the age of 14 and went into farming. Bjelke-Petersen was elected to the Kingaroy Shire Council in 1946 and to the Queensland Legislative Assembly at the 1947 state election.
He would serve in state parliament for over 40 years, holding the seats of Nanango (1947–1950) and Barambah (1950–1987).
