Key Takeaways
- Former federal minister Nick Bolkus has passed away at the age of 75
- Bolkus played a significant role in shaping modern multicultural Australia
- He was the first Greek Australian to serve as a cabinet minister
- Bolkus was a long-time Labor stalwart and served as a senator for South Australia from 1980 to 2005
- He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children, including Aria, who is the Labor candidate for Colton at the 2026 South Australian election
Introduction to Nick Bolkus’ Life and Career
Nick Bolkus, a former federal minister who played a significant part in shaping modern multicultural Australia, has died at the age of 75. The news of his passing was announced by the South Australia premier, Peter Malinauskas, on social media on Thursday. Malinauskas described Bolkus as a "long-time Labor stalwart" who had "passed away peacefully" that morning. Bolkus was a highly respected figure across the political divide, known for his formidable intellect, tireless advocacy for the Labor Party, and his generosity as a mentor to many. He was deeply loved by his family, colleagues, and friends, and his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum.
Tributes to Nick Bolkus
In a statement posted to Instagram, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said that Labor "mourns one of our great sons". Albanese described Bolkus as a young man who had come to public life with a sense of idealism and urgency, and who had held true to those principles throughout his long and distinguished career. Malinauskas also paid tribute to Bolkus, describing him as a "formidable intellect" and a "generous mentor" who had made a significant contribution to the Labor Party. Bolkus’ passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum, with many praising his dedication to public service and his commitment to the values of multiculturalism and social justice.
Nick Bolkus’ Early Life and Entry into Politics
Bolkus was born in Adelaide on 17 July 1950, and entered politics at a remarkably young age. According to Malinauskas, Bolkus had hand-delivered letters to everyone enrolled as Greek in the electorate during former premier Don Dunstan’s campaign in Norwood in 1966. This early start in politics was just the beginning of a long and distinguished career, which would see Bolkus become one of South Australia’s longest-serving members in the upper house. Bolkus was first appointed as a minister under former prime minister Bob Hawke in 1988, and went on to serve in a number of roles, including minister for immigration and ethnic affairs and minister assisting the prime minister for multicultural affairs.
Nick Bolkus’ Legacy
Bolkus’ legacy is one of significant achievement and contribution to public life. According to Malinauskas, he played a significant part in shaping modern multicultural Australia, and was particularly proud of his role in allowing tens of thousands of Chinese citizens to remain in Australia after the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. This decision was a significant moment in Australian history, and one that reflected Bolkus’ commitment to the values of compassion, justice, and human rights. Bolkus was also a trailblazer for Greek Australians, becoming the first Greek Australian to serve as a cabinet minister. His legacy continues to inspire and influence Australian politics, and his passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum.
Personal Life and Family
Bolkus is survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children, Aria, Mikayla, and Nick. His daughter Aria is following in her father’s footsteps, and is the Labor candidate for Colton at the 2026 South Australian election. Bolkus’ family has been a source of great support and inspiration to him throughout his life and career, and his love and devotion to them is evident in the many tributes that have been paid to him since his passing. Despite his many achievements and contributions to public life, Bolkus was first and foremost a family man, and his legacy will continue to be felt and celebrated by his loved ones for many years to come.
Conclusion
The passing of Nick Bolkus is a significant loss for Australian politics and for the Labor Party. His legacy is one of achievement, contribution, and commitment to the values of multiculturalism, social justice, and human rights. Bolkus was a true pioneer and trailblazer, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come. As the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said, Labor "mourns one of our great sons", and his passing will be deeply felt by all who knew him and worked with him throughout his long and distinguished career.