Mike Ahern: Former Queensland Premier and father of Today Show reporter Christine Ahern dies after battle with cancer aged 81

One of the Today Show’s top reporters has been through a family drama after her high-profile politician father died after battling cancer.

Reporter and Walkley Award winner Christine Ahern confirmed on Friday that her father Mike, the former Premier of Queensland, has passed away at the age of 81.

Ms Ahern released a statement on behalf of the family celebrating her father’s passion for positivity and thanking him for being a loving father and grandfather.

Mr Ahern, a recipient of the Order of Australia, tackled corruption in the state during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1987 to 1990.

“Mike was passionate about improving the lives of all Queensland residents,” his family wrote.

Mr Ahern (pictured) was the former Premier of Queensland, serving from 1987 to 1990 before retiring from politics. He died on Friday, aged 81, after a battle with cancer

Mr. Ahern, who had battled cancer, compiled a list of achievements during his time in politics and the private sector.

“Of all his achievements, he was most proud of founding the Queensland Community Foundation and chairing the Liver Foundation,” the statement continued.

“He often fought against the will of his peers for the greater good of the people. This became most apparent when he protected the state’s indigenous community from the AIDS virus when he was health minister in the 1980s.

“He challenged the prime minister of the day to get blood tests done on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population and stop an epidemic and save hundreds of lives.

“As AIDS hysteria swept the state, he openly held the hand of a man living with HIV. He led by example throughout his political life.

“He took over as Prime Minister at Queensland’s most difficult time. He implemented the Fitzgerald report “lock, stock and barrel”. Although it inevitably shortened his political career, he was always pleased that he had made the state a better place for everyone.’

The groundbreaking Fitzgerald Inquiry investigated the corruption of the Queensland Police Service, which was found to be involved in illegal gambling and prostitution.

Findings from the report also confirmed that the state suffered from systematic political corruption and blatant abuse of power.

At the time of his death, Mr. Ahern had Christine at his side, along with his wife Andrea, and Christine’s siblings Louise, Claire, John, and Sharon.

The famed politician also had 10 grandchildren who would routinely visit him at his Shelley Beach home in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, the same town he grew up in.

‘He was a great father. Loving, kind and generous with a lively sense of humour. He was tall in stature and big in heart. A thoroughly decent man who has given us all the best role model in life,” the family wrote.

“But by far his greatest achievement in life was being a faithful husband to Andrea for 52 years. An undying love that remained strong to the end.

‘Mike often reflected on his time as Premier of Queensland and said ‘It was my job to do’ to clean up corruption in the state.

“Mike, your work is done, rest in peace.”

Ms Ahern said her father was most proud of clearing up corruption in the state during his time in politics

Mr Ahern was in charge when the groundbreaking Fitzgerald report was released, revealing blatant corruption and systematic abuse of power in Queensland

The famous daughter of Mr. Ahern brought the family name into journalism where she achieved success in Australia and beyond.

Ms Ahern has won numerous awards, winning a Walkley and two Quills for her coverage of the Melbourne pandemic at its peak.

Her coverage of outbreaks at Epping Gardens retirement home made international news as Victoria recorded the highest infection rates in the world.

She began her professional career at ABC as a landline researcher before becoming a sportscaster and moving to 9News.

While there she covered five Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa before moving to the Today Show.

She then became Nine’s US correspondent and moved to Los Angeles, covering the United Nations in New York before spending time in Ukraine during the MH17 disaster.

After attending major Hollywood events such as the Oscars and the Golden Globes, Ms. Ahern returned to Melbourne and resumed her role on the Today Show.

In 2021 Ms Ahern flew from Melbourne to Brisbane for the Today Show and cameras captured a tearful reunion as her mum and dad surprised her in the terminal.

She expected to see them on the Sunshine Coast days later, but after she landed, Mr. Ahern was there with flowers in hand to say hello.

The family first reunited after Covid in 2021 when Ms Ahern landed in Brisbane on an early morning flight

The cameras were rolling as Ms. Ahern was surprised to see her parents waiting for her in the terminal