Peter Nixon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peter Nixon
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Nixon in 1974
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| Minister for Primary Industry | |
| In office 27 September 1979 – 11 March 1983 |
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| Prime Minister | Malcolm Fraser |
| Preceded by | Ian Sinclair |
| Succeeded by | John Kerin |
| Minister for Shipping and Transport | |
| In office 11 November 1975 – 8 December 1979 |
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| Prime Minister | Malcolm Fraser |
| Preceded by | Charles Jones |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Hunt |
| In office 5 February 1971 – 5 December 1972 |
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| Prime Minister | John Gorton William McMahon |
| Preceded by | Charles Jones |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Hunt |
| Postmaster-General | |
| In office 11 November 1975 – 22 December 1975 |
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| Prime Minister | Malcolm Fraser |
| Preceded by | Reg Bishop |
| Succeeded by | Victor Garland |
| Minister for the Interior | |
| In office 16 October 1967 – 5 February 1971 |
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| Prime Minister | Harold Holt John McEwen John Gorton |
| Preceded by | Doug Anthony |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Hunt |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Gippsland |
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| In office 9 December 1961 – 4 February 1983 |
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| Preceded by | George Bowden |
| Succeeded by | Peter McGauran |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 March 1928 Orbost, Victoria, Australia |
| Died | 1 May 2025 (aged 97) Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Political party | Country / NCP |
| Spouse |
Sally Dahlsen
(m. 1954–2013) |
| Children | Joanne, Mark & Christopher |
| Education | Wesley College, Melbourne |
| Occupation | Grazier, company director |
Peter James Nixon (22 March 1928 – 1 May 2025) was an important Australian politician and businessman. He was a member of the Australian House of Representatives for over 20 years. He represented the area of Gippsland from 1961 to 1983.
During his time in government, Peter Nixon held several key roles. He was a minister in charge of different departments. These included the Interior, Shipping and Transport, and Primary Industry. He was also the Postmaster-General for a short time.
Contents
Early Life and Farming Roots
Peter Nixon was born on 22 March 1928 in Orbost, Victoria. He grew up on his family's farm near Orbost. In 1939, during the terrible Black Friday bushfires, his family had to find safety in the Snowy River.
He went to Wesley College, Melbourne for his education. When he was 18, he had a serious hip injury while playing Australian rules football. This meant he had to stay in hospital for eight months. To pass the time, he read books and played chess.
After getting better, Peter Nixon became a farmer. He was the fourth generation of his family to farm in Gippsland. His farm, called Macclesfield, was about 500 acres. He first grew seed beans and maize. Later, he changed to mixed farming, which meant growing lucerne and raising dairy cows.
Peter Nixon's Political Career
Peter Nixon was first elected to parliament in 1961. He became the new member for Gippsland after the previous member, George Bowden, retired. Peter Nixon had not planned to run for election. He only decided to stand when the expected candidate sadly passed away just before nominations closed.
He was one of several younger politicians in the Country Party. The party leader, John McEwen, helped guide these new members. Other politicians mentored by McEwen included Doug Anthony and Ian Sinclair.
Ministerial Roles and Responsibilities
In 1967, Peter Nixon became the Minister for the Interior. He kept this job when John Gorton became Prime Minister. This role meant he was responsible for areas like the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. He also oversaw the National Capital Development Commission.
As Interior Minister, he was involved in discussions about land rights. He is mentioned in the song Gurindji Blues for his comments on the Wattie Creek land rights strike. In 1971, he became the Minister for Shipping and Transport. He held this position until the government lost the election in 1972.
When his party was not in power (1972-1975), Peter Nixon was still very active. He sometimes worked with the Australian Labor Party to pass laws. He was also known for criticizing the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, saying it was unfair to his party.
Serving in the Fraser Government
During the Fraser government, Peter Nixon was a key figure in the National Country Party. He worked closely with Doug Anthony and Ian Sinclair. This group was sometimes called the "mulga mafia." They were known for being strong voices in parliament and influencing government policies.
Peter Nixon briefly served as Postmaster-General in 1975. After that, he returned to his role as Minister for Shipping and Transport, which he held until 1979. From 1979 to 1983, he was the Minister for Primary Industry.
In 1981, while he was Primary Industry Minister, there was a challenge involving meat exports. Some beef sent to the United States was found to contain other types of meat. The government investigated this issue. Peter Nixon offered to resign from his position because of the findings.
In parliament, Peter Nixon was known for his lively debates with opposition members. He often exchanged strong words with politicians like Fred Daly.
Life After Politics
After leaving parliament in 1983, Peter Nixon continued to be active in business and community life. In 1984, he became the chairman of Southern Cross Broadcasting. Under his leadership, the company grew a lot. It bought radio stations in Melbourne and Perth, and TV stations in Tasmania and Canberra.
Peter Nixon was also involved in sports. He was a member of the Victorian Football League Commission from 1985 to 1991. In 1996, he led an important study into the economy of Tasmania. This report was called the Nixon Report: Tasmania into the 21st Century.
He also served as a trustee for the Melbourne Cricket Club and was Chief Commissioner of the East Gippsland Shire. In 2015, he gave the eulogy at the state funeral for former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1952, Peter Nixon married Jacqueline "Sally" Dahlsen. They had three children together.
In the 1990s, he had a serious accident on his farm while using a quad bike. He suffered many injuries, including broken ribs and a collapsed lung. He also lost a kidney due to the accident.
Peter Nixon passed away in Melbourne on 1 May 2025, at the age of 97.
Honours and Recognition
On 26 January 1993, Peter Nixon was recognized for his contributions to Australia. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This honour was given for his service to the Australian parliament and to the wider community.
Images for kids
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Nixon in 1974
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Nixon in 1967
