Vaughan Johnson (politician)

Vaughan Gregory Johnson OAM (born 20 July 1947) is an Australian politician. Born in Bourke, New South Wales, he was a grazier and contractor before entering politics. Having moved to Queensland, he was a councillor on Quilpie Shire Council from 1970 to 1973. From 1972 to 1973, he was Chairman of the Quilpie Branch of the National Party. In 1989, Johnson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the National Party member for Gregory. He followed the Queensland Nationals into the Liberal National Party in 2008, and held the seat until his retirement in 2015. He has previously been the Shadow Minister for Sport and the Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections.[1] He was appointed Government Chief Whip following the 2012 election.

The Honourable Vaughan Johnson OAM
Queensland Government Chief Whip
In office 3 April 2012 – 31 January 2015
Premier	Campbell Newman
Preceded by	Margaret Keech
Succeeded by	Mick de Brenni
Deputy Leader of the Opposition of Queensland Deputy Leader of the Queensland National Party
In office 2 March 2001 – 4 February 2003
Leader	Mike Horan
Preceded by	Lawrence Springborg
Succeeded by	Jeff Seeney
Minister for Transport and Main Roads of Queensland
In office 26 February 1996 – 26 June 1998
Premier	Rob Borbidge
Preceded by	Jim Elder
Succeeded by	Steve Bredhauer
Member of the Queensland Parliament for Gregory
In office 2 December 1989 – 31 January 2015
Preceded by	Bill Glasson
Succeeded by	Lachlan Millar
Personal details
Born	20 July 1947 Bourke, New South Wales, Australia
Political party	Liberal National Party (2008–present)
Other political affiliations	National Party (1970–2008)
Spouse(s)	Robin Anne Balchin
Children	3
Occupation	Grazier

In October 2014, Johnson announced that he would retire from the Queensland Parliament at the next election. The Premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, praised his contribution to Queensland, saying "Vaughan will forever be known as the bloke who fought tooth and nail for the farmers and graziers, truck drivers, small business owners and everyone in between right across Western Queensland."[2]

In 2014 on Fairfax Radio, Johnson stated "I'm not against Asian people, don't get me wrong – but a lot of those Asian people come from an environment where they have no comprehension of road rules in their own country". Johnson issued a letter later that day apologising for his remarks, adding "I wanted to convey that all drivers in Queensland must take care on the roads".[3]

Johnson is married with three children.

References

1. "Vaughan Gregory Johnson". Parliamentary Library of Queensland. Retrieved 3 February 2009.
2. "Premier recognises Vaughan Johnson's service to Queensland - the Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory".
3. "Asian drivers don't know road rules, says LNP MP Vaughan Johnson". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 28 August 2014.