Rob Pyne: Quadriplegic, Former MP, and Political Campaigner

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Introduction to Rob Pyne
Rob Pyne Full Bio

Introduction to Rob Pyne

I’m Rob Pyne. I made this site as a result of my lifelong commitment to Australian Socialism and to help build community with socialists everywhere.

I am a Quadriplegic, Former MP, Councillor & a Political Campaigner. Most importantly, I am an Eco Socialist who shares ways to survive & fight climate change.

I also love writing about Cairns, tropical gardening, climate change and providing tips to help other people with disabilities.

My book Struggle and Resistance in the Far North is available free online.

Rob Pyne Full Bio

Robert John Pyne (Rob Pyne) is a Cairns based politician in the state of Queensland in Australia. He was the Member for Cairns in the Queensland Parliament (2015 – 2017). In addition, he was a Councillor on Cairns Regional Council (2008 – 2015) and (2020 – 2024).

Early Years

Rob Pyne was born in Gordonvale and raised in Edmonton, south of Cairns. He was born to Tom Pyne and his wife Marion. Subsequently he attended Hambledon State School and Gordonvale State High School. While growing up he loved playing rugby league, exploring and swimming in the local creeks and riding motor bikes.

Rob worked as a Queensland Government clerk until breaking his neck in an accident in 1991, becoming a quadriplegic. He then spent nine months in rehabilitation at Princess Alexandra Hospital.

After that, Rob decided to further his education. He also became active in advancing the rights of people with a disability.

This included volunteering for disability advocacy groups and services, such as Rights in Action, Independent Living Support Association and a number of peak disability representative groups.

James Cook University

Subsequently, he completed a BA in History and Politics followed by a Law Degree. While studying he became President of the James Cook University Student Association, giving him his first taste of elected office.

Afterwards, he worked at James Cook University (JCU) from 2000 to 2007 as a Regional Disability Liaison Officer. Following completion of that contract, he campaigned full-time for a position on Cairns Regional Council.

Rob Pyne: Career in Politics

As a result, Rob Pyne was elected as a Councillor to Cairns Regional Council in 2008 and Re-Elected in 2012.

State Politics

Rob contested the 2015 state election against a conservative opponent.

Consequently he was elected to represent the electorate of Cairns in the State Parliament, where he served one term. However, Rob believed the major political parties had neglected Far North Queensland and were not doing enough on the issues of climate change and local government corruption.

As a result, he resigned from the ALP in 2016 becoming an Independent. However without major party support and courtesy of an unfavourable electoral re-distribution, he lost his seat at the subsequent election.

Australian Socialist Rob Pyne

Cairns Regional Council

Never a ‘quitter’ in the game of life, Rob embarked on a campaign to represent his hometown of Edmonton in South Cairns. Thus, at the 2020 Queensland local government elections he won Division 2 and consequently, returned as a Councillor on Cairns Regional Council.

Rob’s academic achievements and his achievements in being elected to Council and Parliament. Indeed these have all been firsts for a person with quadriplegia. Indeed he has broken down many barriers for people with a disability.
Happily married to Jenny, the pair had one child, Kate. Rob describes family time during Kate’s upbringing as the happiest time of his life.

Rob Pyne, Jenny Pyne and Kate Pyne

Struggle and Resistance in the Far North is Rob’s account of his own life and the region’s political past. He also spends his time working on his tropical garden in Cairns.

While Rob continues to be politically active. However, these days his focus is online as Champion of the Underdog. This includes generating and maintaining content on tropical gardening and ‘all things Cairns’ on his website and social media outlets.

In July 2022 Jenny tragically died of a heart attack, leaving Rob to continue his journey with the help of an enthusiastic band of support workers, who assist him on a daily basis.

About Rob Pyne

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