Peter Morris, the first Australian Federal Minister of Greek descent, passes away

Peter Frederick Morris OAM, the first Australian federal minister of Greek descent, passed away on Sunday, 26 April, at the age of 94.

The late Peter Morris was born on 29 July 1932 in Sydney and was the son of a Greek immigrant from Symi, Jimmy Morris, who had anglicised his name from Agapitos Montiadis.

His father operated a café business in Newcastle, where Peter received his early education. After graduating, he worked in Canberra and Newcastle.

He became actively involved in public life, serving from the mid-1960s on the federal electoral council of the Australian Labor Party. In 1968, he was elected as a councillor to the Newcastle City Council.

In 1972, he was elected to the Australian House of Representatives representing the electorate of Shortland, serving in the Australian Parliament until 1998. In 1983, he was appointed Minister for Transport in the government of Bob Hawke, and went on to hold several ministerial portfolios in subsequent years.

In 1992, as Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Transport, Communications and Infrastructure, he presented the landmark report “Ships of Shame,” following an extensive inquiry. The report identified dangerous practices in the shipping industry and proposed stricter government oversight at both national and international levels.

It is also noted that his brother, Allan Morris, and his nephew, Matthew Morris, likewise served as members of the Australian Parliament.

Following the announcement of his passing, the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, issued a message of condolence, expressing his thoughts to the family of the late statesman and praying for his repose is peace.

“Peter Morris was one of the reasons we remember the Hawke Government with such affection and admiration,” the Prime Minister noted, adding: “As the Member for Shortland and as a minister, Peter’s work was always guided by the values of the Labor Party and by his deep humanity. When I was Minister for Transport, Peter was a source of sound and constructive advice on shipping, aviation, regulatory reform, and regional economic development. He was one of those people who gave heart to our movement. In doing so, he helped improve life in the Hunter region and across Australia.”

Source’s Link: https://vema.com.au/peter-morris-the-first-australian-federal-minister-of-greek-descent-passes-away/

Main Photograph: Tim Crakanthorp MP / Facebook