Former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Peterson refused to curb the spread of AIDS among indigenous Australians out of belief it was punishment from God, his successor claims.

Mike Ahern, who served as Health Minister in Sir Joh's cabinet before toppling him to become premier, told News Corp his parliamentary colleague had tried to stop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being screened for the virus.

Then-primary industries minister Mike Ahern (left), with Sir Joh (right) and his deputy Vic Sullivan in 1980. Credit:Fairfax archive

"He felt that somehow or other God was punishing these people and I should leave it alone and let God look after his own," Mr Ahern said.

"I said I can't do that."

The 75-year-old said he went on to order blood tests for Indigenous communities across the state after being warned by officials of the virus' devastating potential.

AAP