Statement from the President of the Liberal Party of Australia NSW Division, the Hon Philip Ruddock Vale Tim Fischer

On behalf of myself, and all members of the NSW Liberal Party, I would like to express our deep sadness for the passing of the Hon Tim Fischer AC. 
 
I knew Tim well, having known him from the time he had served in NSW Parliament with my father, and having had the privilege of serving with him in Parliament and in Cabinet for his entire term. 
 
He was a political giant, with all of his successors serving in his shadow. Tim had served the people of New South Wales with great distinction and courage at both state and federal levels – leaving an enormous legacy behind, not least of which his advocacy in support of Prime Minister Howard’s gun reforms. 
 
Tim was a great friend, and someone who always looked out for others. He could even claim some credit for helping me into Parliament, having marshalled Nationals’ members to assist me when I ran in the 1973 Parramatta by-election.  
 
Tim’s legacy stretches well beyond his work in Parliament, as the former chair of Tourism Australia, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Ambassador to the Holy See. He was also a great train aficionado, and any high speed rail developments in this country owe him a debt of gratitude. 
 
This state and our nation will always be in his debt. Upon his departure from leadership and politics I said “pity he had to go so early”, and today I say it again. 
 
Our deepest condolences go to his wife Judy and sons Dominic and Harrison - today we all mourn with them.