What’s happening?
The Rocky News sat down for an exclusive recorded interview with Vincent “Vince” Patrick Lester, a former Queensland MP and long-serving National Party figure.
Born 28 July 1939, Vince Lester served in the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 2004, representing Belyando, Peak Downs and Keppel. He was appointed to cabinet in 1983 under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and served as a minister in several governments.
After leaving parliament, Vince Lester worked as a political advisor to Senator Ron Boswell.
He was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 for “service to Australian society through parliament” and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 for “service to the community through the Queensland Parliament and to local government.”
Now living in Toowoomba, Vince Lester said he continues to follow politics while living with his wife Mary.
“Yes, absolutely,” Vince Lester said when asked about living together.
He reflected on their long marriage, adding, “We’ve been married 62 years.”
At 86, Vince Lester remains engaged in political discussions.
“Well, I do still follow the politics because I believe that, you know, when a lot of people have worked for you to get you there and to keep you there, the best way you can thank them is by still doing a little bit for the party and the people that helped you get there,” he said.
He also reflected on his time in office.
“Well, I was four years just on with the Belyando Shire Council, then elected to State Parliament,” he said.
“I retired after 29 years, eight months, as former minister and backbencher and committee chairman in the Parliament, and in the end of the day was father of the house, and that wasn’t a Catholic priest.”
Why it matters
Vince Lester’s reflections provide a first-hand account of political life across regional Queensland over several decades.
His experience shows how long-term service can influence policy, community outcomes, and public trust in leadership.
Local impact
Vince Lester’s contributions have influenced regional Queensland through practical reforms and advocacy.
Changes such as reflectorised number plates and public safety improvements continue to affect daily life.
He also expressed strong support for current representatives in Central Queensland.
“Well, you know, what’s better? Very happy,” he said.
“They should all stay in the job. I’m sure they’ll hang on to their jobs and they’ll do that by good representation.”
By the numbers
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Vince Lester spent 29 years and eight months in State Parliament, contributing across roles as minister, backbencher and committee chairman.
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He began his political career with four years in local government at the Belyando Shire Council before entering State Parliament.
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Vince Lester has been married for 62 years, marking a lifetime alongside his public service.
Zoom in
Vince Lester said one of the biggest challenges during his political career was the miners’ taxation issue.
“Oh, no doubt the miners’ taxation revolt when John Howard decided he was going to raise the tax on people who rented cheap housing,” he said.
He explained the impact on workers moving to mining towns.
“Because it simply meant that if you were enticed to go there and work in Blackwater or somewhere because of the cheap rents, then you wouldn’t want to get there and find out that John Howard has put in this tax.”
He worked to resolve the issue while maintaining broader support.
“But I did sort that out with John Howard, and I’ve always supported him, but not in that particular issue. And we won the day.”
Vince Lester also recalled a fundraising effort that saw him walk backwards from Mupoon to Emu Park.
“I suggested if they wished, I would walk backwards for them from Yeppoon to Emu Park,” he said.
“That was opening my mouth a bit wide because that was a fair way. But anyway, I had to do it because I said I would.”
He completed the walk with his dog Scruffy.
“And I made it with my little dog Scruffy. And Scruffy walked most of the way.”
As conditions became difficult, he added, “I had to carry the poor little fellow over about three miles.”
He also pushed for changes to public toilet safety.
“There have been people die in the toilet because they couldn’t get it open or were injured because people try and belt the door in when they were leaning up against the door,” he said.
Vince Lester worked with Russ Hinz to raise the issue.
“And anyway, I went to Russ Hinz… and he had some party issue coming up and he needed my vote. And I said, let’s bring that in.”
He also played a role in introducing reflectorised number plates.
“I nearly ran into the back of a black horse float one night coming back from Moran Bar to Clermont,” he said.
“And I said to myself, something’s got to be done.”
“And we made that law.”
Zoom out
Vince Lester also shared his views on the current political landscape.
“Well, we’re back in business, and we’ve just had the by-election in Hinchinbrook,” he said.
“You don’t normally win by-elections just after you’ve won an election. And here we were, we won the by-election, which means we’re travelling pretty well.”
He spoke positively about leadership.
“But he does seem to get into the scrum, for want of a better word. He’s around to help when something’s on. And I think he’s doing a great job.”
Vince Lester also expressed confidence in the National Party’s direction.
“Oh, I think he’s the real deal. And I’m looking forward to him leading the National Party forward and people having faith in politics again.”
“We’re well set up in Queensland. We’ve got Matt as leader of the Nationals and we’ve got David Christopher Lee as the Premier.”
What to look for next
Vince Lester said he is looking forward to seeing the current leadership continue building confidence in politics, with strong regional representation expected to remain central across Queensland.
