Overview

• Sir Leo Hielscher died on August 4 in palliative care at age 98 with his family by his side.
• Treasurer David Janetzki said Hielscher “towered over Queensland history like no-one else” and highlighted his ongoing mentorship of treasurers from all parties.
• He dedicated more than 70 years to public service, rising from a 15-year-old clerical officer to Under Treasurer and later chair of the Queensland Treasury Corporation.
• He pioneered financing for flagship events and infrastructure, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, Expo 88 and the original Gateway Bridge.
• He was knighted in 1987, appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004 and had Brisbane’s Gateway bridges renamed in his honour in 2010.