PARLIAMENT REMEMBERS A ‘GIANT’: PETER NIXON AO

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, Chris Nixon, Toby Nixon, Speaker Milton Dick and Joanne Christie at Parliament House for the condolence motion.

The life and times of former Federal Member for Gippsland Peter Nixon AO were recognised at Parliament House this week with a condolence motion moved by the Prime Minister.

Mr Nixon, who died on May 1 this year at the age of 97, was remembered as a tough and fearless politician who served under five different Prime Ministers.

Current Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was among the speakers who paid his respects to Mr Nixon and his family.

“Peter Nixon was a giant of our side of politics. While Peter’s political and business life took him to Canberra, Melbourne and around the world, it was the Snowy River that ran through his veins… and he always maintained his connections with the land and the people of the Orbost region,” Mr Chester told Parliament.

“He became part of the ‘Mulga Mafia’ - a colourful nickname bestowed on the trio of Doug Anthony, Ian Sinclair and Peter Nixon to reflect their influential position in the Fraser years.

“Throughout his political career, Peter was renowned for his astute political judgement, his willingness to engage in vigorous debate with those opposite. He was a tough negotiator and enjoyed the Ministerial power of making decisions to improve the lives of regional Australians.”

After politics, Mr Nixon had a highly successful business career and served as Chief Commissioner of East Gippsland Shire Council.