CALARE MP Andrew Gee has paid tribute to former Nationals leader and deputy prime minister Doug Anthony, calling him a hero of the bush.
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Mr Anthony died in a nursing home on Sunday morning, aged 90.
His death came just days after for NSW Nationals leader Ian Armstrong died on Wednesday
Mr Gee said Mr Anthony served Australia - and particularly regional Australia - with "passion and distinction".
"He leaves an extraordinary legacy including overseeing the transformation of our biggest export industries of wool and wheat, creating the architecture for free trade agreements and taking Australian produce and products to the world and continuing the development of our national capital with the completion of the National Library and Lake Burley Griffin under his stewardship," Mr Gee said.
"He practised politics with civility and respect for people from all walks of life and the high regard in which he was held crossed party lines.
"He was passionate about the development of country Australia. The bush has lost one of its heroes today.
"My heartfelt condolences to Margot Anthony, Larry Anthony and the Anthony family."
Deputy prime minister and current Nationals leader Michael McCormack added to the tributes.
"Doug Anthony stood up for country communities and as part of the Menzies, Holt, McMahon and Fraser Governments, he opened up great opportunities for regional Australia on the world stage," he said.
Mr Anthony served as leader of the Nationals (then the Country Party) from 1971 to 1984 and was deputy prime minister under three prime ministers.
He was deputy to John Gorton in 1971, then William McMahon from 1971-1972 and again under Malcolm Fraser from 1975-1983.
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