Former Deputy PM Tim Fischer dies aged 73 22/08/2019 Former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer has died at the age of 73. The former Nationals leader died after a decade-long battle with an acute form of leukaemia. Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid tribute to Mr Fischer, as one who will "forever cast a big shadow on our nation". “He walked his own path with honesty and humility and that is what Australians loved about him,” Mr Morrison said on Thursday. NSW NATIONALS LEADER JOHN BARILARO STATEMENT: TIM FISCHER AC 22 August 2019 I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Tim Fischer AC, in Albury-Wodonga today, aged 73. Known affectionately as the ‘man with the hat’, he grew to become an icon for regional Australia and led our country into one of the greatest eras of prosperity in our nation’s history. He always stood up for the people of regional Australia and our communities are better places because of Tim Fischer. One of his greatest legacies was a fearless approach to the reform of our gun laws that have kept Australian’s safe for generations. Tim served in the NSW Parliament between 1971-1984, before serving as the Federal Nationals Member for Farrer in the NSW Riverina from 1984-2001. He was Leader of the National Party from 1990-1999 and served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1996-1999. I want to express my sincere condolences to Tim’s wife and two sons. |