Nick Bolkus, a distinguished Australian parliamentarian whose career helped shape modern multicultural Australia, has died at the age of seventy-five.

The longtime Labor senator from South Australia passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, leaving behind a legacy of public service, principled leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

His death was announced by the Premier of South Australia, who paid tribute to Bolkus as a formidable intellect and dedicated servant of both his state and nation.

Born in Adelaide on July seventeenth nineteen fifty to Greek immigrant parents, Bolkus entered politics early and was elected to the Australian Senate in nineteen eighty, representing South Australia until his retirement in two thousand five.

He was elevated to the ministry in the Hawke government in nineteen eighty-eight and later served in the Keating government as Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

In these roles, Bolkus was widely recognised for his contribution to Australia’s multicultural policy framework and for decisions that enabled tens of thousands of Chinese nationals and their families present during the nineteen eighty-nine Tiananmen Square crisis to remain in Australia, a measure he regarded as grounded in humanitarian principle.

Bolkus was the first Greek-Australian to serve in the federal cabinet, a milestone reflecting the country’s evolving social fabric.

National leaders including the Prime Minister described him as one of the “great sons” of the Labor movement, noting his commitment to democratic values, citizenship rights and the enrichment of Australian society through diverse cultural contributions.

His influence extended beyond his ministerial career, mentoring generations of Labor politicians and remaining active in political and community affairs.

Respected across the political spectrum, Bolkus was remembered not only for his policy achievements but for his generosity, mentorship and personal warmth.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their children, including daughter Aria, who is a candidate in the upcoming South Australian election.

Tributes from colleagues and community leaders reflect the deep esteem in which he was held and the enduring impact of his work on Australia’s national identity.