Long-serving former Queensland MP Mark McArdle dies aged 68
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli is one of several high profile politicians who have expressed their condolences, describing Mr McArdle as a man who 'loved his community'.
"Queensland is poorer for the passing of Mark McArdle," Mr Crisafulli said.
Mr McArdle was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland between 2004 and 2020, representing the electorate of Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
In June 2013, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and took medical leave while undergoing treatment.
He publicly shared his diagnosis to raise awareness and to encourage others to get regular checks
Initially a Liberal Party member, in 2007 he became the party leader and the following year oversaw a merger with the National Party that produced the LNP.
From 2012 to 2015, Mr McArdle was Queensland's Minister for Energy and Water Supply.
Mr Crisafulli said this was when he developed plans to help secure the state's water supply and ensure a more resilient and cost-effective energy system.
"I witnessed how much his responsibilities meant to him," he said.
"He was always well prepared and made each decision on the basis of what was right for Queensland, free from political consequences.
"The merger of the Liberal and National Parties would not have happened in Queensland without his bravery."
Queensland's Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said her thoughts were with Mr McArdle's loved ones.
"Mark was a mentor and a friend, and I always valued his guidance," she said.
"It pains me to hear the upsetting news. He had the community's great respect and served the LNP with diligence for many years as the Member for Caloundra, later becoming the Deputy Leader of the Opposition."
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she first met Mr McArdle while working as a journalist.
"He would make time for you as a journalist … he was excited, he was bright and he was championing what we needed in this society, in his belief, for the betterment of Caloundra," Ms Natoli said.
"He was well loved for that."
Ms Natoli said she met with him prior to the 2024 local government elections.
"We talked about my election campaign and he gave me some tips and then even wrote me some information and gave me some advice - so he was ever the politician," she said.
"My sincere condolences to his wife Judy and his family and friends.
"Really all of the Sunshine Coast would be feeling the loss … we're all the poorer now."
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