Tributes as Labor stalwart, champion for migrants dies

Nick Bolkus, Australia’s first Greek federal cabinet minister and advocate for immigrants and refugees, has died aged 75.

South Australia’s long-serving Labor senator was a minister in the Hawke and Keating governments; He was first elected in 1980 and only retired in 2005.

The son of Greek immigrants, he was appointed consumer affairs minister in the Hawke government in 1988 and served as immigration and ethnic relations minister in the Keating administration from 1993-96.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday paid tribute to one of Labour’s “great sons”, who he said remained true to his principles and sense of purpose throughout his distinguished career.

“Nick was both a strong advocate for the benefits and contribution of a modern, multicultural Australia and a compelling example of how our nation is enriched by people from all backgrounds and traditions.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said Mr Bolkus was a “great supporter” of Labor and died peacefully on Christmas morning.

“Nick was deeply respected across all political persuasions,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.

“He was a formidable intellect, a tireless advocate for Labor and a generous mentor to many. He was much loved by his family, colleagues and friends.”

Mr Malinauskas said he expressed his condolences to Mr Bolkus’ wife, Mary, and their daughters, Mikayla and Aria, who are candidates for the SA Labor Party in the upcoming 2026 state elections.

As immigration minister, Mr Bolkus allowed thousands of Chinese nationals who arrived in Australia before the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing in 1989 to settle permanently with their relatives.

In his farewell speech to parliament in 2005, Mr Bolkus said his proudest achievement in politics was allowing 40,000 refugees to stay permanently. “The sky did not collapse. The crowd did not invade,” he said.

Before entering parliament, Mr. Bolkus was a lawyer and researcher.