The "formidable and tireless" former federal Labor minister Nick Bolkus has died peacefully on Christmas morning.
He was aged 75.
Bolkus was the first Greek Australian to serve as a cabinet minister, held ministerial positions under the Hawke and Keating governments and became one of South Australia's longest-serving senators.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the "Labor family mourns one of our great sons".
"Nick Bolkus came to public life as a young man, with a young man's idealism and sense of urgency, and he held true to those principles and that sense of purpose right through his long and distinguished career.
"In every portfolio he served, he sought to reform the instruments and power of government to better serve the aspirations and rights of everyday Australians.
"Nick Bolkus loved his home state in that fiercely proud way South Australians do and his family and his community knew they could always find him at Joe's kiosk at Henley Beach.
"Our love and sympathy to Nick's family, friends and loved ones. His memory will love long in Labor hearts. May Nick Bolkus rest in eternal peace."
Bolkus, born in Adelaide in 1950, began his political career in the Labor Party around age 16 when he helped hand-deliver letters to the Greek electorate in Don Dunstan's campaign in the city's north-east.
Building on a foundation of community service, he was first elected to the Senate in 1980 and was repeatedly re-elected over the decades.
Under Keating's new government in 1993, he served as minister for immigration and ethnic affairs and minister assisting the prime minister for multicultural affairs.
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He acted as minister for consumer affairs, assisting the treasurer for prices and administrative services under Hawke.
Bolkus also served as the shadow attorney-general and minister for justice and environment and heritage.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas Bolkus was most proud of allowing tens of thousands of Chinese citizens to remain in Australia following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre — a decision which was "grounded in humanity and moral leadership that continues to resonate today".
He said the country has lost a dedicated servant, while Labor has lost a great champion.
"Nick was deeply respected across the political divide," he said.
"He was a formidable intellect, a tireless advocate for the Labor Party, and a generous mentor to many. He was much loved by his family, colleagues and friends.
"We honour his service and thank him for all he gave to our state and our country. May he rest in peace."
Bolkus is survived by his wife Mary, and three children, Aria, Mikayla and Nick.
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