Former long-serving South Australian Labor senator Nick Bolkus, a key minister in the Hawke and Keating governments and Australia's first Greek-Australian federal cabinet minister, died peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025, aged 75.
Elected to the Senate in 1980 and retiring in 2005, Bolkus made significant contributions to Australia's migration and multicultural policies. As Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs under Paul Keating, he is particularly remembered for his humanitarian decision allowing tens of thousands of Chinese students and their families—who were in Australia around the time of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre—to permanently settle, a move praised as embodying moral leadership.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led national tributes, describing Bolkus as retaining a "young man’s idealism and sense of urgency" throughout his career and highlighting his passion for democracy and citizenship rights.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas called him a "formidable intellect," tireless Labor advocate, and generous mentor, respected across the political spectrum. Malinauskas noted Bolkus's pride in the post-Tiananmen policy, which resonated with humanity.
Former SA premier Jay Weatherill credited Bolkus with mentoring figures like Penny Wong and Mark Butler, attributing his success to hard work and charm. Labor figures emphasized his ongoing influence post-parliament through fundraising and guidance.
KastellorizianBorn in Adelaide in 1950 to Greek immigrant parents (of Kastellorizian heritage), Bolkus began his political involvement young, later working as a lawyer before entering federal politics.
He is survived by his wife Mary and children.
Tributes underscore Bolkus's lasting legacy in fostering a more inclusive, multicultural Australia.
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