Clem Jones
{{Short description|Australian politician}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox mayor
|honorific-prefix = Dr
|name = Clem Jones
|honorific-suffix = {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=100%|AO}}
|image = Dr Clem Jones AO.jpg
|imagesize =
|alt =
|caption =
|order = 8th
|office = Lord Mayor of Brisbane
|term_start = 1961
|term_end = 1975
|succeeding =
|predecessor = Reg Groom
|successor = Bryan Walsh
|constituency =
|majority =
|birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1918|01|16}}
|birth_place = Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
|death_date = {{Death date|df=yes|2007|12|15}}
|death_place = Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
|restingplace =
|restingplacecoordinates =
|birthname =
|citizenship =
|nationality = Australian
|party = Labor
|spouse = Sylvia nee Murphy (d.1999)
|relations =
|children = none
|residence =
|alma_mater = University of Queensland
|occupation = Businessman, Philanthropist
|profession = Surveyor
|cabinet =
|committees =
|portfolio =
|religion =
|signature =
|signature_alt =
|website =
|footnotes =
|blank1 =
|data1 =
}}
Clem Jones{{Cite web|url=http://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/dr-clem-jones-ao-1918-2007/|title=Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame {{!}} Dr Clem Jones AO(1918-2007)|website=leaders.slq.qld.gov.au|access-date=20 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050244/http://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/dr-clem-jones-ao-1918-2007/|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}} AO (16 January 1918{{spaced ndash}}15 December 2007),{{cite news
|title = Former Brisbane mayor Clem Jones dies
|publisher = ABC
|date = 15 December 2007
|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119687.htm
|access-date = 15 December 2007
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071215181747/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119687.htm
|archive-date = 15 December 2007
|df = dmy-all
}} a surveyor by profession, was the longest serving Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Queensland, representing the Labor Party from 1961 to 1975. He was chair of the Darwin Reconstruction Commission from 1975 to 1978.{{Cite web|url=https://pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au/release/transcript-3959|title=Transcript 3959 {{!}} PM Transcripts|website=pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au|access-date=20 April 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505081153/https://pmtranscripts.dpmc.gov.au/release/transcript-3959|archive-date=5 May 2016|df=dmy-all}} He was a successful businessman and philanthropist.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}
Public life
During Jones' 15 years in office as the head of the Brisbane City Council, assisted by the Town Clerk J. C. Slaughter, Brisbane underwent considerable change.
In 1961, Brisbane was a city with no town planning, many unpaved streets, limited water supply and few areas with sewers—relying instead on outhouses or septic tanks. Through the 1960s Jones successfully led the council to develop a town plan, seal roads, improve drainage and connect sewers to most of the city.{{Cite news |url=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2007/12/15/1197568304193.html |title=Former Mayor Clem Jones dies |author=Christine Kellett |access-date=26 September 2011 |date=16 December 2007 |work=Brisbane Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011135105/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2007/12/15/1197568304193.html |archive-date=11 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }} The city council, under his stewardship, purchased city properties to build underground car parks, which were then topped with public parks and gardens.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}} In the suburbs, land was acquired for open space and parkland. Work started on the development of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha.
In 1968, to considerable public dismay, and some protest, Jones announced that Brisbane's extensive tramway routes would be replaced by diesel buses.{{Cite news |date=2018-03-20 |title=Why we no longer get around on trams in Brisbane |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-21/brisbanes-trams-what-happened-to-them-curious-brisbane/9555274 |access-date=2022-03-07 |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302154800/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-21/brisbanes-trams-what-happened-to-them-curious-brisbane/9555274 |url-status=live }}{{cite web
|url = http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=601839&back=1 |title = Old Cleveland Road Tramway Tracks |access-date = 17 December 2007 |date = 8 December 2006 |publisher = QLD Government, EPA |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071221022935/http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=601839&back=1 |archive-date = 21 December 2007}}
In 1971, Jones chose to promote Brisbane as host city for the 1978 Commonwealth Games. Without support from the Queensland Government and due to a lack of preparation, the bid was unsuccessful.{{cite book |title=Stories of the Southside |last=Roberts |first=Beryl |year=1991 |publisher=Aussie Books |location=Archerfield, Queensland |isbn=0-947336-01-X |page=4 }} Convinced of the benefits and suitability of Brisbane to host the event, Jones completed a winning bid in 1974 for the next games in 1982.
By 1974, early graves at the South Brisbane and Toowong cemeteries had fallen into disrepair.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-26/archaeology-dig-at-toowong-cemetery-a-chance-to-unearth-history/9800474|title=Archaeology dig at Toowong Cemetery a chance to unearth Brisbane history|last=King|first=Jennifer|date=26 May 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607011228/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-26/archaeology-dig-at-toowong-cemetery-a-chance-to-unearth-history/9800474|archive-date=7 June 2019|url-status=live}} The Brisbane City Council under Jones' stewardship, wished to convert portions within these cemeteries into parkland. Instructions were given by Jones to the health department to remove untidy graves, resulting in the destruction of at least 2,500 memorials.
After completing his duties as Lord Mayor in 1975, Jones was briefly the curator at the Brisbane Cricket Ground (the Gabba) and even prepared the wicket for a test match. Jones was also appointed chairman of the Darwin Reconstruction Commission in 1975 to guide the rebuilding of the city of Darwin after its near destruction by Cyclone Tracy.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119687.htm|title=Former Brisbane mayor Clem Jones dies|website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=15 December 2007|access-date=8 March 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071215181747/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/15/2119687.htm|archive-date=15 December 2007|df=dmy-all}}
Jones stood for the Labor Party for the state seat of Yeronga in 1972 and, at Gough Whitlam's request, the federal seat of Griffith in 1974 – both unsuccessfully.[http://www.smh.com.au/news/obituaries/clem-the-magnificent-labor-legend/2007/12/17/1197740177485.html 'Clem the Magnificent', Labor legend, Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224120806/http://www.smh.com.au/news/obituaries/clem-the-magnificent-labor-legend/2007/12/17/1197740177485.html |date=24 December 2007 }} He was involved in the opposition to the attempted federal takeover of the Queensland State Branch of the Party in the early 1980s, being one of several senior members of the Queensland branch to challenge the takeover in the courts. Briefly expelled for his involvement, he was later reinstated to the party and given life membership in recognition of his achievements in Brisbane.
Jones was also chairman of the Brisbane Strikers,{{Cite web |title=Brisbane Strikers FC |url=https://brisbanestrikersfc.com/strikers-history |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Brisbane Strikers FC |language=en-AU |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928221247/https://brisbanestrikersfc.com/strikers-history |url-status=live }} which won the National Soccer League title in 1997.
Jones was a delegate in 1998 to the Australian Constitutional Convention as the head of the Clem Jones Constitutional Republic Team. He favoured the republican model of government in which the head of state is directly elected rather than being chosen by Parliament.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}
Jones also established FoodBank Queensland in 1995, which helps to fund the school breakfast program.{{Cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/clem-jones-died-10-years-ago-but-mr-brisbanes-multimilliondollar-legacy-lives-on/news-story/fa8d8a32a36403fc6e17118e13d74484|title=Clem Jones died 10 years ago but 'Mr Brisbane's' multimillion-dollar legacy lives on|last=Muir|first=David|date=14 December 2017|website=www.couriermail.com.au|language=en|access-date=18 December 2017|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309220320/https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/clem-jones-died-10-years-ago-but-mr-brisbanes-multimilliondollar-legacy-lives-on/news-story/fa8d8a32a36403fc6e17118e13d74484|url-status=live}}
Personal life
Jones was born in Ipswich, Queensland in 1918. His father was a master at the Anglican Church Grammar School in East Brisbane, Queensland, where Jones was also a student. He displayed an interest in tennis and cricket.{{cite book|last=Mason|first=James|title=Churchie: The Centenary Register|year=2011|publisher=The Anglican Church Grammar School|location=Brisbane, Australia|isbn=978-0-646-55807-3}}The Queensland Great Public Schools – A History by T. Max Hawkins, Jacaranda Press, Brisbane 1965, p 208. Jones went on to attend the University of Queensland, taking a BSc in mathematics and geology.{{Cite web|url=http://www.uqcricket.com.au/Clem-Jones-Scholarship.aspx?rw=c|title=University of Queensland Cricket Club {{!}} UQCC Blues|website=www.uqcricket.com.au|access-date=2018-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101338/http://www.uqcricket.com.au/Clem-Jones-Scholarship.aspx?rw=c|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=dead}} His wife, Sylvia, died in 1999. They had no children.
Honours
File:Clem Jones statue, Adelaide Street, Brisbane.jpg
- Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia in 1976[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/885519 It’s an Honour—AO] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221151313/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=885519&search_type=simple&showInd=true |date=21 December 2007 }}
- Queenslander of the Year in 1990[http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/ceremonial_honours/queensland_day.asp Queenslander of the Year] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221023000/http://www.govhouse.qld.gov.au/ceremonial_honours/queensland_day.asp |date=21 December 2007 }}
- Honorary doctorate from the University of Queensland (1996){{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/clem-jones-dies-20071216-gdrt9m.html|title=Clem Jones dies|date=2007-12-15|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023012121/https://www.smh.com.au/national/clem-jones-dies-20071216-gdrt9m.html?js-chunk-not-found-refresh=true|archive-date=2019-10-23|access-date=2019-10-23}}{{Cite web|url=https://alumni.uq.edu.au/story/1272/dr-clem-jones-ao|title=Dr Clem Jones AO|date=2015-11-02|website=Alumni and Community|publisher=University of Queensland|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023012408/https://alumni.uq.edu.au/story/1272/dr-clem-jones-ao|archive-date=2019-10-23|access-date=2019-10-23}}
- Australian Sports Medal in 2000[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/985642 It’s an Honour—Australian Sports Medal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221151340/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=985642&search_type=simple&showInd=true |date=21 December 2007 }}
- Centenary Medal in 2001[https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1118280 It’s an Honour—Centenary Medal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221151305/http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1118280&search_type=simple&showInd=true |date=21 December 2007 }}
- Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame (2009){{Cite web|url=http://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/|title=Hall of Fame|website=Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame|publisher=State Library of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023083836/http://leaders.slq.qld.gov.au/inductees/|archive-date=23 October 2018|url-status=live|access-date=23 October 2018}}
In popular culture
- Prior to the redevelopment of the Brisbane Cricket Ground the grandstand was known as the "Clem Jones Stand".
- The nickname of former Australian cricketer Terry Alderman was "Clem", as Clem Jones was both an alderman and a cricket fan[http://en.wikivisual.com/index.php/List_of_nicknames_used_in_cricket#A List of nicknames used in cricket] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221033427/http://en.wikivisual.com/index.php/List_of_nicknames_used_in_cricket |date=21 December 2007 }}. Retrieved on 15 December 2007.[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19981206/ai_n14203720 Cricket: From 'Dizzy' to fizzy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221010204/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19981206/ai_n14203720 |date=21 December 2007 }}. Retrieved on 15 December 2007.
- The Clem Jones Tunnel, more commonly known as the Clem 7, was named in his honour and opened in Brisbane in 2010.
- The Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland was a beneficiary of the generous support of Clem Jones who made a significant donation to the Foundation in 2005 and as a result the Foundation named their latest Accommodation and Support Village at Coopers Plains in Brisbane in his honour.
- Since his death his Estate and Foundation have funded medical research in his name including the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research{{Cite web|url=http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/clem-jones-centre-ageing-dementia-research-cjcadr|title=Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR)|website=Queensland Brain Institute|access-date=20 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419073547/http://www.qbi.uq.edu.au/clem-jones-centre-ageing-dementia-research-cjcadr|archive-date=19 April 2016|df=dmy-all}} at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research at Griffith University and the Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine{{Cite web|url=https://bond.edu.au/researchers/research-strengths/faculty-research-centres/clem-jones-research-centre-regenerative-medicine|title=Clem Jones Research Centre for Regenerative Medicine {{!}} Bond University|website=bond.edu.au|access-date=20 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611203908/https://bond.edu.au/researchers/research-strengths/faculty-research-centres/clem-jones-research-centre-regenerative-medicine|archive-date=11 June 2016|df=dmy-all}} at Bond University. A scholarship has been provided at the University of Queensland - the Clem and Ted Jones Memorial.
See also
{{Portal|Queensland}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{commons category inline}}
- {{Sport Australia Hall of Fame}}
- [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/11l3i0/alma99262163402061 Woolloongabba Cultural Mapping Oral History], State Library of Queensland (includes Clem Jones recalling his involvement in cricket at the Gabba)
- [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99183845521302061 Clem Jones oral history project], State Library of Queensland
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{{succession box | title=Lord Mayor of Brisbane| before=Reg Groom | after=Bryan Walsh | years=1961–1975}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Clem}}
Category:Australian republicans
Category:Australian Labor Party mayors
Category:Mayors and lord mayors of Brisbane
Category:Officers of the Order of Australia
Category:Delegates to the Australian Constitutional Convention 1998
Category:People educated at Anglican Church Grammar School