Sir Leo Hielscher, the long-serving public servant whose name is carried by the bridges at Murarrie, will be honoured at a state funeral in Brisbane.
Sir Leo’s Public Service Career
Sir Leo Arthur Hielscher AC was born in Eumundi in 1926. He joined the Queensland Public Service in 1942 and went on to serve as Deputy Under Treasurer for a decade before becoming Under Treasurer for 14 years between 1974 and 1988.
From 1988, he was appointed Chairman of the Queensland Treasury Corporation Advisory Board, which later became the Queensland Treasury Corporation Board. He held the role until his retirement in June 2010. Over almost seven decades, his work was recognised as shaping Queensland’s modern financial structures.
Recognition and Awards
Sir Leo’s contribution to public administration was acknowledged through several honours. He received an Eisenhower Fellowship in 1973, was knighted in 1987, and awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2004. He also held an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University and a Fellowship from the Finance & Treasury Association.
Bridges Bearing His Name in Murarrie
The most prominent landmark associated with Sir Leo is the pair of bridges at Murarrie. Formerly known as the Gateway Bridge, the original crossing opened on 11 January 1986 at a cost of $92 million, with a duplicate span added in May 2010 for $350 million. Both were renamed the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges in 2010.
Together they form one of Brisbane’s key motorway links, carrying the Gateway Motorway over the Brisbane River. They remain the most eastern Brisbane River crossing and connect Murarrie with Eagle Farm.
State Funeral and Farewell
Sir Leo Hielscher died on 4 August 2025, aged 98. His family accepted the offer of a state funeral, which will be held at 2 p.m. on 28 August 2025 at Brisbane City Hall.
An online condolence book has been opened for members of the public to leave messages.
Published 27-Aug-2025
