The Queensland Rugby community is mourning the loss of Queensland Representative #579, Doug Anthony, who passed on Sunday December 20 at the age of 90.
Born in Murwillumbah in northern NSW, Doug was educated at the King’s School in Sydney before completing his studies at the Gatton School on the Darling Downs.
The backrower made his debut for Queensland at the age of 18 in 1948 and would go on to play two games in the maroon that year.
Upon finishing his Rugby career, Doug followed in the footsteps of his late father Larry and transitioned into the world of politics, where he made an immense impact on the National Party.
Doug was elected as the member for the Division of Richmond in 1957, before being installed as the Minister for the Interior in 1964.
He then served as the Minister for Primary Industry in the early 1970’s and was named Deputy Prime Minister under John Gorton and William McMahon from 1971 to 1972.
Doug was reappointed as Deputy Prime Minister in 1975 to 1983 as the National Party returned to power, becoming Australia’s longest serving deputy leader under Malcom Fraser.
Upon retiring from politics in 1984, Doug returned to his dairy farm in Murwillumbah.
The QRU will announce funeral details in due course.
