Former NSW deputy premier Ian Armstrong dies aged 83 with his family offered a state funeral

  • Former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier Ian Armstrong has died 
  • Mr Armstrong was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for 25 years 
  • He was deputy premier from May 1993 until April 1995 and led National Party

By Australian Associated Press

Published: | Updated:

Former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier Ian Armstrong has died, aged 83.

The NSW government announced his death on Wednesday, saying Mr Armstrong 'embodied what it is to be a rural advocate'.

The statement paid tribute to Mr Armstrong's work in regional communities.

Former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier Ian Armstrong (pictured with NSW Planning Minister Melinda Pavey) has died, aged 83

Former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier Ian Armstrong (pictured with NSW Planning Minister Melinda Pavey) has died, aged 83

Mr Armstrong (pictured at Wagga Airport in 1985) was deputy premier from May 1993 until April 1995 and remained leader of the National Party until 1999

Mr Armstrong (pictured at Wagga Airport in 1985) was deputy premier from May 1993 until April 1995 and remained leader of the National Party until 1999

As agriculture minister Mr Armstrong was responsible for relocating the Department of Agriculture to Orange in 1992, the largest decentralisation project undertaken by a government.

Mr Armstrong was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for 25 years between 1981 and 2007, representing the seat of Lachlan.

He was deputy premier from May 1993 until April 1995 and remained leader of the National Party until 1999 when two months before the election he was ousted by his deputy George Souris.

'Ian will be dearly missed and his tireless work for the people of NSW and to the NSW Nationals will live on forever,' the NSW government statement says.

'Our condolences to his family and to all the people touched by the life of this remarkable person.'

Mr Armstrong's family has been offered a state funeral.

Mr Armstrong (pictured in 1993) was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for 25 years between 1981 and 2007, representing the seat of Lachlan

Mr Armstrong (pictured in 1993) was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for 25 years between 1981 and 2007, representing the seat of Lachlan

'Ian will be dearly missed': Government statement on Ian Armstrong

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the Honorable Ian Armstrong AM OBE, former leader of the NSW Nationals and Deputy Premier of NSW.

Ian embodied what it is to be a rural advocate, having been responsible for ensuring public servants work in the regional communities they represent and relocating the Department of Agriculture to Orange in 1992, the single largest decentralisation process undertaken by a Government department.

Ian also served as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the list of community organisations and boards he volunteered for during his lifetime was significant, signifying a life dedicated to serving and representing regional people.

Despite his substantive contributions as a Minister and as Deputy Premier, his commitment to his electorate of Lachlan never wavered and the area still benefits from his legacy as local member.

Ian will be dearly missed and his tireless work for the people of NSW and to the NSW Nationals will live on forever.

Our condolences to his family and to all the people touched by the life of this remarkable person.

The NSW Government has offered a state service to the family. 

New South Wales

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