Former Member for Gippsland, Peter Nixon, passed away at the age of 97 on Thursday, May 1.
Mr Nixon grew up farming in the Orbost district and entered politics after the retirement of George Bowden in 1961.
He would hold the seat for 22 years and is one of only eight people since Federation to serve the role.
Mr Nixon served as minister under five different Prime Ministers – Harold Holt, John McEwen, John Gorton, William McMahon and Malcolm Fraser, and was entrusted with responsibility for a number of portfolios over his career.
He held ministerial office as Minister for the Interior (1967-1971), Shipping and Transport (1971-1972), Postmaster-General (1975), Transport (1975-1979) and Primary Industry (1979-1983).
Mr Nixon was made an
Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the
Australian Parliament and the
community in 1993.
After his stint in politics, Mr Nixon continued his farming interests in East Gippsland and was appointed chair of Southern Cross Broadcasting.
He also served on the
Victorian Football League Commission from 1985 to 1991 and was also Chief Commissioner of East Gippsland Shire
Council after the amalgamation process.
A memorial service will be held in Orbost at a date yet to be confirmed.
