Former Deputy Prime Minister John Doug Anthony (Doug Anthony) has passed away.
The sad news was announced by his family earlier this morning.
They say the former Nationals leader passed away peacefully in the Heritage Lodge aged care facility in Murwillumbah.
He was 90 years old.
Born in December 1929, Mr Anthony was elected as the Member for Richmond at age 27.
He went on to lead the Country-turned-National party, serving as Deputy Prime Minister in the Gorton and Fraser governments.
Mr Anthony’s family say they are proud of the legacy he left, particularly in regional Australia.
READ THE ANTHONY FAMILY’S FULL STATEMENT:
The family of former Australian Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Nationals Doug Anthony advise with heavy hearts of his passing this morning.
Doug died peacefully in the Heritage Lodge aged care facility in Murwillumbah, aged 90.
He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Margot, his children Dugald, Jane and Larry, their spouses and his nine grand-children.
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.
Doug was born in Murwillumbah in December 1929, and served this community throughout his political career and afterwards.
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.
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.
