VALE DOUG GORDON
FORMER DEPUTY PM PASSES
AUSTRALIA’S longest-serving deputy prime minister John Douglas (Doug) Anthony has died, aged 90.
Mr Anthony died peacefully at an aged care facility in Murwillumbah in the Tweed Shire, the same town where he was born in December 1929.
During his decorated political career, Anthony served in multiple senior portfolios and was the Leader of the Nationals for over a decade.
“He was very much a man of the Tweed region, and it is fitting that he should depart this life from within the community that he loved so much,” a family statement said.
“His family is tremendously proud of his legacy. While always very humble, he made a lasting contribution to the nation, and particularly to people in country Australia. May he rest in peace.”
As Deputy PM, Anthony worked under Prime Ministers John Gorton, William McMahon and Malcolm Fraser.
Following his tenure in Canberra, Mr Anthony retired to his local community where he lived the rest of his life.
He is remembered through his wife Margot and his children Dugald, Jane and Larry.
“Although Doug was privileged to serve the people of Australia in high office, he always considered his family to be his greatest legacy and contribution to the world,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Mr Anthony as “a quiet giant” of Australian political life.
“He was a man with no pretences who was passionate about regional Australia,” he said.
Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said Mr Anthony was “a man of significant conviction and even more significant achievement”.
“The outcomes Doug Anthony secured for regional and rural Australia have stood the test of time,” he said. “He was a man of decency, integrity, purpose and resolve … Mr Anthony never took a backwards step in advocating for our regions.”
“It is because of Mr Anthony that The National Party stands today in its 100th year of existence. Rural and regional Australia has lost one of our greatest today.”
“Tales of him in the capacity of acting prime minister and leading the country from his caravan on the NSW north coast make up the political fabric of our party and our nation.