High profile former politician who advocated for Australia’s gun laws dies aged 86

By AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: 12:24 BST, 6 April 2025 | Updated: 12:44 BST, 6 April 2025

Former Liberal premier of Tasmania Tony Rundle is being remembered as a reformist who oversaw one of the most difficult periods in the island state’s history.

News of Mr Rundle’s death, aged 86 on Sunday has sparked an outpouring of tributes, led by current Premier Jeremy Rockliff and former Prime Minister John Howard.

It’s understood he died late Friday night after dealing with a number of health issues.

Mr Rockcliff served as an MP in Tasmania for 16 years and reigned as premier from 1996 to 1998.

He was in power when 35 people were killed in a shooting spree at Port Arthur and oversaw Tasmania’s subsequent widely-lauded gun law reform.

‘We’ve lost a fine Tasmanian,’ Mr Rockliff said.

‘Tony will always be remembered as a tower of strength and compassion, as he led Tasmanians through the shock and grief of the tragedy at Port Arthur.

‘He was a kind, intelligent man, and one that I was truly fortunate to count as a mentor.

Former Tasmania Premier Tony Rundle (right) has died aged 86. He’s pictured with current Premier Jeremy Rockcliff (left) who regarded him as a mentor

Tony Rundle is pictured inspecting illegal fishing vessels in Darwin Harbour in 2004 in his role as Australia Fisheries Management Authority chairman

‘We are a better state because of his service.’

Mr Howard, who as, then Prime Minister worked closely with Mr Rundle in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy hailed him as a fine premier and ‘a true gentleman’.

He said the massacre shocked the nation and was keenly felt by the Tasmanian community. 

‘Tony Rundle’s dignified and compassionate yet firm response was reassuring to his fellow Tasmanians,’ Mr Howard said.

A former journalist, Mr Rundle was also a keen sailor, a Rotarian and a strong and considered leader for his community for many years before he was elected to parliament.

He also oversaw gay law reform, the development of Basslink, the signing of the Regional Forest Agreement and commissioned the Nixon Review of the Tasmanian economy.

Tasmania also became the first state to make a public apology to the Stolen Generations under Mr Rundle’s reign as premier.

He also served as Australia Fisheries Management Authority chairman after departing politics.

Tony Rundle was Tasmanian Premier when the 1996 Port Arthur massacre shocked Australia

‘Tony led changes that endure today and for which Tasmanians are better off,’ Tasmanian Liberal senator Richard Colbeck said.

‘First among those was his leadership following the Port Arthur massacre, an enormously distressing time for Tasmanians and Australians alike.

‘Tony led the aftermath with great dignity and empathy and set the state on the path to recovery.’

Mr Rundle is survived by his wife Caroline and daughters Helen and Jane.

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High profile former politician who advocated for Australia’s gun laws dies aged 86

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