Peter Nugent

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Media Release

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer

24 April 2001

I am deeply saddened by news of the death of Peter Nugent.

Peter was a fine parliamentary colleague and friend. In particular, I greatly respect the enormous contribution he made as the chairman of the Coalition's Policy Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Parliament's Joint Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Peter travelled widely in our region and played an important role in building relationships with our neighbours. He led and participated in parliamentary delegations to a number of countries in the Asia Pacific region. He made a significant contribution to our relations with China in his role as the Chairman of the Australia/China Parliamentary Friendship Group. His untimely passing will be mourned by those who had the opportunity to meet him.

Peter was a powerful and passionate voice for those in disadvantaged circumstances at home and abroad. He was one the Parliament's strongest advocates of human rights, reflected in his tireless work as the Chairman of the Amnesty International Parliamentary Group since 1996. Peter certainly kept these issues at the forefront of our foreign policy deliberations and discussions.

I extend my deepest sympathy to Peter's wife, Carol, and his children.

ISTANBUL

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