Bill Glasson

William John Glasson (born 2 January 1953) is an Australian ophthalmologist. He was President of the Australian Medical Association 2003–05. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Liberal National Party of Queensland in the contest for the seat of Griffith, held by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in the 2013 federal election. He was again unsuccessful in the by-election held on 8 February 2014 as a result of Rudd's resignation from Parliament.

Career Glasson was born in Winton, Queensland on 2 January 1953.

He was a student at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in East Brisbane from 1965 to 1969.

He commenced his career as an optometrist, before studying to become an ophthalmologist. He has a medical and surgical practice in suburban Brisbane. His practice extends to western Queensland and to East Timor, where he oversees the St John Eye Services and education in Oecuzzi.

He is a member of the Australian Army Reserve.

Rudd resigned from Parliament in November 2013, and a Griffith by-election was held on 8 February 2014. Glasson again contested for the LNP, but was defeated by Labor's Terri Butler.

In May 2015 Glasson unsuccessfully sought preselection for the casual vacancy in the representation of Queensland in the Senate caused by resignation of Senator Brett Mason. One of nine candidates, he was defeated by Joanna Lindgren on the final count. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Lindgren was a "surprise candidate" who "opposes gay marriage, abortion and euthanasia" after Glasson was "called in" to explain his support for gay rights.

Family Glasson's wife Claire Jackson is a general practitioner and former president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Glasson himself is an Honorary Fellow of the college. They have three children, two daughters and a son.