Ian Armstrong (politician) facts for kids

Ian Morton Armstrong (17 July 1937 – 16 December 2020) was an Australian politician. He was known for serving as the Deputy Premier of New South Wales.

Early Life and Education

Ian Armstrong went to Newington College from 1949 to 1953. This is where he completed his schooling.

A Career in Politics

Ian Armstrong was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. This is like a state parliament where laws are made for New South Wales. He represented the area called Lachlan. He was a member from September 1981 until March 2007.

From 1988 to 1993, he was the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs. A "Minister" is a government leader in charge of a specific area. This meant he helped manage farming and country areas.

From 1993 to 1995, he became the Deputy Premier of New South Wales. The "Deputy Premier" is the second-highest leader in the state government. During this time, he was also the Minister for Ports and Minister for Public Works. This meant he helped manage seaports and public building projects.

After the 1995 election, his political group, the Coalition, lost power. They became the "Opposition," which means they were no longer in charge but still worked to question the government. Ian Armstrong continued to lead the National Party within the Opposition.

In 1999, just before a state election, Ian Armstrong was replaced as the leader of the Nationals by his deputy, George Souris.

His political area, Lachlan, was removed before the 2007 state election. Because of this, Ian Armstrong decided to leave parliament. He had been a politician for over 25 years.

Even after leaving parliament, Ian Armstrong continued to serve the community. In 2013, he became the first Chair of Central Tablelands Local Land Services. This group helps manage land and natural resources in the region.

Awards and Recognition

Ian Armstrong received several important awards for his work:

• In 1979, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. This award recognized his service to farming and related industries.
• In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal. This was for his work in the New South Wales Parliament and for helping with international trade.
• In 2009, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. This award honored his service to the New South Wales Parliament, to farming, and to the community.

A building in Orange was named the Ian Armstrong Building in his honor. This building is the main office for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and other government departments. It was officially opened and named in September 2020, shortly before he passed away.

Death

Ian Armstrong passed away on 16 December 2020.