I was shocked and saddened to learn of Peter Nugent's sudden death earlier today at the age of 63.
Peter was a valued and capable colleague. He worked tirelessly in the House of Representatives on behalf of the people of Aston from the time of his election as their member in 1990.
He was a particularly active contributor to policy debates within the party room. Foreign policy and social issues involving the treatment of minority groups and the disadvantaged were particular passions of his.
Born in Chelmsford, England, Peter served for 24 years in the Royal Air Force, retiring as a Squadron Leader. Immediately before entering Federal Parliament, he worked in sales and marketing in the private sector.
He was Shadow Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in 1993-94 and also served with distinction on a number of Parliamentary committees, including Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (Chairman of the Human Rights Sub-Committee since 1996) and Chairman of the Joint Committee on the National Crime Authority since 1998.
Peter's passionate interest in human rights and the disadvantaged was also reflected in his work as Chairman of the Amnesty International Parliamentary Group since 1996 and as a member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation between 1991 and 1997.
Two days ago he returned from a Parliamentary delegation visit to China. Peter was active in promoting friendship with countries in the region, chairing Parliamentary Friendship groups with China, Malaysia and Singapore since 1996.
Peter Nugent has given great service to the Liberal Party of Australia. His premature and untimely death deprives the people of Aston of a powerful advocate who will be greatly missed by his parliamentary colleagues.
I have already spoken to Peter's wife, Carol. To her, and to Peter's three children, Dee, Greg and Barry, I extend the sympathy of all of his Liberal colleagues.
24 April 2001