Former Deputy Prime Minister and National Party legend Tim Fischer has passed away, aged 73 following a long battle with cancer.
WATCH: Tim Fischer’s brave battle
The popular politician, who had endured a long battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, having also battled prostate and bladder cancer, reportedly passed surrounded by close family.
He leaves behind wife Judy and sons, Dominic and Harrison.
Fischer, who reportedly attributed his cancers to exposure to chemicals such as Agent Orange, used while he was a conscript in the Vietnam War, is well remembered for his role in shaping John Howard’s tough gun laws.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has praised the late politician as a ‘conviction politician’.
‘Tim Fischer took to the highways and byways to persuade and convince regional Australians about the need for change,’ he said.
‘Tim Fischer walked his own path with honesty and humility and that is what Australians loved about him.’
Fisher started life as Lockhart in the NSW Riverina, and was conscripted in 1966, where he was wounded in combat.
Marrying relatively late at age 46, Fischer found happiness with wife Judy. Their son Harrison is on the autism spectrum, and Tim and Judy became voices in advocacy for neurodiverse families.
The government will be offering a state funeral after consultation with the late politician’s family.
Rest in peace Tim Fischer.
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