Lady Flo state funeral set for January 4

Florence Bjelke-Petersen will be farewelled at a state funeral on January 4 in her home town of Kingaroy, north of Brisbane.

Lady Flo Bjelke-Petersen

Florence Bjelke-Petersen will be farewelled at a state funeral on January 4 in Kingaroy, Queensland. (AAP)

Florence Bjelke-Petersen will be farewelled at a state funeral on January 4 in her home town at the Kingaroy Town Hall.

It is the same place the state funeral service was held for her husband Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, Queensland's longest-serving premier, in 2005.

Lady Bjelke-Petersen died on Wednesday aged 97 following complications from a fall she suffered a few weeks ago.

While best known for being the wife of Sir Joh and for her pumpkin scones, Lady Flo - as she was affectionately known - also had a 12-year career as a Nationals senator.

Son John Bjelke-Petersen this week said his mum deserved the recognition of a state funeral.

Friday's announcement was made in a joint statement between Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

"For over a decade, Lady Flo distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for her beloved state of Queensland in the Australian Senate," the statement said.

"Lady Flo gave a strong voice to rural women across the country. She dedicated her life to improving the lives of regional Queenslanders.

"But above all Lady Flo was much loved by all her family and our thoughts are with the Bjelke-Petersen family at this time."


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Published 22 December 2017 6:22pm
Source: AAP


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