VALE IAN ARMSTRONG, A WARRIOR FOR REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has paid tribute to former New South Wales Deputy Premier Ian Armstrong, OBE AM, who has died.

“Ian Armstrong was a fearless warrior for the regions. He stood firm for what he believed was right and people could see that dating right back to his time in the Cattlemen’s Union,” Mr McCormack said.

“His word was his bond. Ahead of the 1988 New South Wales election, Ian promised to decentralise the Department of Agriculture and he did just that, successfully moving the headquarters to Orange.

“Today, around 800 state public servants from a number of different departments and agencies are located there in the fittingly-named Ian Armstrong Building.

“As Deputy Premier and Public Works Minister, Ian brought much-needed infrastructure to communities across the regions.

“He delivered permanent improvements to living standards in the bush, and we thank him for it.

“I knew Ian well in my days as a newspaper journalist and editor, worked with him when I was in small business and looked to him for advice and support since being elected to Parliament.

“Ian was a great friend and a real gentleman. He remembered everyone.

“Deepest condolences are expressed to Jenny and family.”

Mr Armstrong, 83, was a member of the New South Wales State Parliament for more than 25 years, representing the seat of Lachlan in the State’s Central West region from 1981 to 2007.

He joined the-then Country Party in 1964 and later became leader of the New South Wales Nationals party for more than nine years. He was Deputy Premier from May 1993 to 1995 and was made a life member of The Nationals in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Jenny and children Angus and Angela.