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Tributes as Labor Stalwart, Champion for Migrants Dies
Nick Bolkus, a pioneer of multicultural policy, enabled tens of thousands of Chinese nationals to settle permanently after Tiananmen, shaping Australia's inclusive migration approach.
- Nick Bolkus, the long-time Labor senator for South Australia, has died aged 75; he was first elected to the Senate in 1980 and retired in 2005 after a decades-long career.
- Elevated to the Hawke ministry in 1988, Mr Bolkus served as minister for consumer affairs and later as minister for immigration and ethnic affairs under Prime Minister Paul Keating, shaping 1990s migration policy.
- During his time as immigration minister, Bolkus allowed thousands of Chinese nationals who arrived before the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre to settle permanently and said his proudest achievement was letting 40,000 asylum seekers stay.
- Mr Malinauskas offered condolences to Bolkus's family, including wife Mary and daughters Mikayla and Aria, the latter a candidate for SA Labor at next year's state election, and said `Nick was deeply respected across the political divide`.
- As Australia's first Greek federal cabinet minister, Bolkus became a prominent champion of multicultural Australia and remained influential in SA Labor as chair of SA Progressive Business.
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Former Labor Minister and multicultural advocate Nick Bolkus dies on Christmas Day
Nick Bolkus, a former federal minister and one of the Australian Labor Party’s most prominent champions, has died peacefully on Christmas Day, aged 75. The passing of the long-serving South Australian senator was confirmed by South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas, who described Mr Bolkus as a deeply respected figure across the political spectrum and a tireless advocate for Labor values. Mr Bolkus served in the federal parliament for 25 year…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
R 40%
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