A video recording of Ms Gillard casually wishing Cr McGrady a happy birthday was shown during the speeches at his birthday celebration at the Irish Club last Saturday.

Cr McGrady's daughter, Susan, read an email of congratulations from Mr Keating as part of her speech.

``I crossed Tony's paths a number of times during his period in the Queensland Parliament, a period which was quite extensive,'' Mr Keating said.

Mr Keating said he knew Cr McGrady as former minister for mines and energy, and former minister for state development.

``I have always enjoyed Tony's company,'' Mr Keating said.

``Big views and a big vision coupled with an engaging personality.

``You have to believe in things to be relevant and around that long, and he does.''

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman also gave a speech by video recording, expressing an earnest wish to have attended the event.

Former Victorian deputy premier and former federal member for Kennedy Rob Hulls attended, speaking on his and Cr McGrady's earlier political days.

State opposition leader Annastacia Palaszczuk texted birthday wishes to Cr McGrady on the Friday.

Her father, Henry Palaszczuk,  former Queensland minister and colleague of Cr McGrady,  also phoned to wish him a happy birthday.