Key Takeaways:
- Nick Bolkus, a long-time Labor senator for South Australia, has passed away at the age of 75
- He was a minister in the Hawke and Keating governments and played a significant role in shaping Australia’s migration policy in the 1990s
- Bolkus was a passionate believer in democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship
- He was remembered for his contribution to multicultural Australia and his decision to allow thousands of Chinese nationals to permanently settle in Australia after the Tiananmen Square massacre
- Bolkus continued to play an influential role in the Labor Party after leaving federal parliament, mentoring many young politicians, including Penny Wong and Mark Butler
Introduction to Nick Bolkus’s Life and Career
Nick Bolkus, the long-time Labor senator for South Australia, has died at the age of 75. Bolkus was a minister in the Hawke and Keating governments and played a significant role in shaping Australia’s migration policy in the 1990s. He was one of South Australia’s longest-serving senators, first elected in 1980 and not retiring until 2005. Bolkus was a passionate believer in democracy and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and he is remembered for his contribution to multicultural Australia.
Tributes to Nick Bolkus
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes to Bolkus, saying that the Labor family was mourning "one of our great sons". Albanese praised Bolkus’s idealism and sense of purpose, which he held true to throughout his long and distinguished career. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas also paid tribute to Bolkus, describing him as a "formidable intellect, a tireless advocate for the Labor Party and a generous mentor to many". Malinauskas said that Bolkus was "deeply respected across the political divide" and that his decision to allow thousands of Chinese nationals to permanently settle in Australia after the Tiananmen Square massacre was "grounded in humanity and moral leadership that continues to resonate today".
Nick Bolkus’s Legacy
Bolkus’s legacy extends beyond his time in federal parliament. He continued to play an influential role in the Labor Party after leaving politics, mentoring many young politicians, including Penny Wong and Mark Butler. Former SA premier Jay Weatherill remembered Bolkus as a mentor who rose to high office through a mixture of "hard work, assiduous attention to detail, and an irresistible charm". SA Labor Party state secretary Aemon Bourke also paid tribute to Bolkus’s work outside parliament, saying that his contribution to the party "cannot be measured solely by his parliamentary service". Bourke said that Bolkus provided a pathway to many who came after him, and that his mentorship, support, and wise advice were sought by many across the Labor movement.
Nick Bolkus’s Early Life and Career
Bolkus was born in 1950 and was a lawyer and research officer before he was elected to parliament. His involvement in Labor politics began at a remarkably young age, when he hand-delivered letters for Labor MP Don Dunstan in 1966. Bolkus’s early start in politics set him up for a long and distinguished career, during which he served as minister for consumer affairs and minister for immigration and ethnic affairs. As immigration minister, Bolkus made the significant decision to allow thousands of Chinese nationals who arrived in Australia before the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre to permanently settle, along with their relatives.
Remembering Nick Bolkus’s Contribution to Multicultural Australia
Bolkus’s decision to allow Chinese nationals to settle in Australia after the Tiananmen Square massacre is remembered as a significant moment in his career. The decision was made in the face of significant opposition, but Bolkus stood firm, citing the humanitarian and moral imperative to protect those who were fleeing persecution. The decision has been praised as a testament to Bolkus’s commitment to human rights and his belief in the importance of providing a safe haven to those in need. Today, Bolkus is remembered as a champion of multicultural Australia, and his legacy continues to inspire politicians and community leaders across the country.
Conclusion
Nick Bolkus’s passing is a significant loss for the Labor Party and for Australia. His legacy is one of idealism, hard work, and a commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights. As a minister, mentor, and community leader, Bolkus made a significant contribution to Australian politics and society. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and colleagues, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and community leaders.