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Post-premiership
In 2003, Bjelke-Petersen re-appeared in the public spotlight when he filed a
lawsuit seeking $338 million in damages as a result of lost superannuation and
harm to his business interests allegedly caused by the Fitzgerald Inquiry.
Despite the proven corruption of the Bjelke-Petersen government, Bjelke-Petersen
remained a popular figure in parts of Queensland. Peter Beattie recognised his
standing by appearing in photographs with him, extending government courtesies
to him, and refraining from criticism. Bjelke-Petersen in turn praised his
successor's good manners.
Bjelke-Petersen died in April 2005, with Lady Bjelke-Petersen and a number of
other family members by his side. Bjelke-Petersen received a state funeral and
is buried at his property "Bethany" at Kingaroy.
Bjelke-Petersen in popular culture
British rock group The Stranglers' 1979 song "Nuclear Device (The Wizard of
Aus)", from the album The Raven, depicts Bjelke-Petersen as "the wizard of Aus"
who doesn't "really care which way you vote, 'Cos my gerrymander works out
fine".[10] His photo was originally included in the inner sleeve artwork, but
the band was forced to remove it.
Bjelke-Petersen was lampooned by the Skyhooks in "Over the Border" (single,
1979), and by Redgum in "Letter to BJ" (If You Don't Fight You Lose, 1978).
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