Petro Georgiou, a former Liberal MP for Kooyong and a respected advocate for human rights and multiculturalism, has died peacefully at the age of 77.
Born in Corfu, Greece, Georgiou migrated to Australia in 1951 and went on to serve 16 years in federal parliament from 1994 to 2010. Though he remained on the backbench during the Howard Government, he became a prominent voice for refugee rights, civil liberties, and multicultural policy—often challenging his own party’s stance.
In 2005, he introduced a private member’s bill seeking to release children and long-term asylum seekers from immigration detention and later crossed the floor to oppose harsh migration laws. He was instrumental in entrenching multiculturalism as a bipartisan value.
His family described him as “an inspiration… a giant across the Australian community.” Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg remembered him as “widely respected for his integrity, intelligence and commitment to the local community.”
Outgoing Labor MP Maria Vamvakinou, despite being from an opposing party, also paid heartfelt tribute.
“Although we came from opposing parties, our shared concern for multiculturalism and the rights of migrants often made us allies in joint campaigns,” Ms Vamvakinou said in a statement.
“His contribution to multiculturalism helped establish it as a bipartisan destiny—despite opposition from within his own party, something which cost him dearly in terms of ministerial advancement.
“Those who know Petro’s life and work speak of an exceptional colleague, driven by principle, humanity, and unwavering integrity. His passing is a great loss to multicultural Australia, but he has left us a significant legacy—one we are obliged to continue.”
Georgiou was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2013 for his service to parliament and human rights. He is survived by his partner, two children, and extended family.
