Fischer, who led the National party between 1990 and 1999, had had cancer for more than a decade

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The former National party leader Tim Fischer has died aged 73.

Fischer, deputy prime minister in the Howard government from 1996 to 1999, had acute leukaemia and cancer for 10 years before his death on Thursday.

Fischer was a second lieutenant in the Australian army before entering the New South Wales parliament in 1971, aged 24.

He made the switch to federal politics in 1984 as the member for the NSW seat of Farrer, and served as Nationals leader from 1990 to 1999, the last three years as deputy prime minister and trade minister.

Fischer supported John Howard in staring down angry rural constituents during the introduction of Australia’s tough gun laws following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

He quit politics in 2001.

In May 2019, when he opened a museum dedicated to his life at his birthplace of Lockhart, near Wagga Wagga, Fischer revealed he was hoping for a remission.

“Almost in remission, not quite. I am just uplifted by this nice gallery,” he said at the time.

The deputy prime minister, Michael McCormack, said Australia had “lost one of its finest … a giant of the National party”.

Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) Australia has lost one of its finest today with the passing of Tim Fischer AC. Tim was a giant of the National Party. He embodied loyalty, kindness & courage. Regional Australia had no better friend. Heartfelt thoughts & condolences with Tim’s wife Judy, sons Harrison & Dominic. pic.twitter.com/a6UsjNDgg4

The Nationals federal president, Larry Anthony, described Fischer as an “unexpected leader” who brought the party back into government as the Coalition partner of the Liberals and built it to its “highest representation under his stewardship”.

“He had a particular personality,” Anthony told the ABC. “He was a bit quirky, but he had a great affinity and connection to people, and I think … he was able to bridge the gap between not just our traditional people but [those] on the other side, and that made him a unique person in Australian politics.”

Queensland Nationals MP Keith Pitt last spoke to Fischer a few days ago.

“He was his usual pragmatic self. His passing is a great loss for his family, the Nationals and the nation,” he said.

Politicians from all parties, journalists and others who had worked with Fischer were quick to pay tribute on social media. The prime minister, Scott Morrison, described him as “a big Australian in every sense of the word”.

Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) Tim Fischer was a dear friend. Jenny and I are deeply saddened by Tim’s passing. Tim Fischer was a big Australian in every sense of the word. Big in stature, big in his belief, big in his passion, big in his vision for what Australians could achieve...

Morrison put out a fuller statement saying Australians loved Fischer because he “walked his own path with honesty and humility”. He nominated Fischer’s support for Howard’s gun control measures as his finest moment in politics. The prime minister said Fischer’s family had been offered a state funeral.

Tom McIlroy (@TomMcIlroy) Prime Minister Scott Morrison: "We have lost an Australian original with the passing of Tim Fischer." #auspol pic.twitter.com/ZT8P5RO7B9

The former prime minister Tony Abbott described Fischer as “a great Australian character who made a fine contribution to our public life”.

“He was an extraordinarily effective leader of the National party, an excellent parliamentarian and a warm and genial colleague,” Abbott said on Twitter.

Simon Birmingham (@Birmo) Tim Fischer was so much more than a deputy PM, Trade Minister or party leader. He connected with people, he cared about people & he worked tirelessly for the causes he committed to. Vale Tim.

Joe Hockey, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, paid tribute to his legacy.

“Any Australian that is grateful for our gun laws can thank Tim Fischer for his courage at that time. Generations to come will owe him a great debt. We will miss you mate,” Hockey tweeted.

The former Labor leader Bill Shorten described Fischer as a “doting dad and parent-carer, General Monash advocate, veteran, public servant, good Australian”.

The former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard said Fischer was “a good bloke, a character and a high-achiever”.

Julia Gillard (@JuliaGillard) A good bloke, a character and a high-achiever - Tim Fischer will be sorely missed by all of us. But the greatest loss will be felt by Judy, Harrison & Dominic. My thoughts are with you.

Andrew Leigh (@ALeighMP) Tim Fischer has passed away. He did many things in his career, but I'll always remember him as the man who stood up to the extreme right to pass gun laws that still save around 200 lives every year. Here he is at the 2018 launch of Parliamentary Friends of Gun Control. #auspol pic.twitter.com/5U7vVfClsS

Many journalists recalled Fischer’s willingness and capacity to talk at length on the policy questions that engaged him, and his generosity to young reporters.

Annabel Crabb (@annabelcrabb) Very sorry to hear that Tim Fischer has died. He brought decency and dignity to the deputy prime ministership and I always found him to be a kind and perceptive person.

Lenore Taylor (@lenoretaylor) I remember being in a light plane with him as he rang in quotes and radio grabs to scores of papers and stations before we did an interview.. https://t.co/5yp22LE20T

Leigh Sales (@leighsales) I've been thinking a lot about Tim Fischer this week and the words that keep coming to mind are uncommon decency. He cared so much about policy issues that affect Australian lives, especially for people outside the cities. He was a lovely person. Vale.

Stephanie Peatling (@srpeatling) As a very baby reporter I got to go on Tumbatrek - Fischer's annual hike through a regional area accompanied by reporters. He was acting PM & running the country from a camp ground out of Tumbarumba. A thoroughly decent & gracious man. https://t.co/wfs3hnKoUj via @TonyOWright

Ryan Northover (@RyanNorthover) If it wasn’t for Tim Fischer, the 1996 gun control measures may not have happened. They were opposed by his political base. He fought for what was right despite the opposition. Australia needs more politicians with the bravery he showed.

Jewel Topsfield (@JewelTopsfield) I will always remember Tim Fischer cold calling the @AAPNewswire news room to weigh in on some relatively obscure topic. I was a very junior journalist and couldn't believe my luck. He always struck me as a very decent man. https://t.co/mjeJNrL2On via @theage

Kirsten Aiken 🌏 (@kirstenaiken) In my early days with ABC Mount Isa, I remember time and again picking up the phone to the Deputy Prime Minister.



“G,day Kirsten. It’s Tim Fischer. Want to have a yarn about anything?”



You bet I did. Unfailingly polite, and very generous with his time for a new journo out west.

Henry Belot (@Henry_Belot) This is so brilliant. https://t.co/7XvZlFx0KG

• Australian Associated Press contributed to this report