Peter Reith, former Liberal defense minister, passed away at 72
Peter Reith, former Liberal defense minister of the Howard Government, has passed away at 72 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s.
His Family said in a statement,” It is with deep sadness that we confirm that following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease Peter Reith died peacefully on the afternoon of 8 November 2022.”
“We are proud of his many achievements and his lifelong commitment to public service. A beloved grandfather, father, husband, brother, friend, and respected colleague. He will be dearly missed and always cherished.”
Peter Keaston Reith joined the Liberal Party in 1966. After winning a by-election for the seat of Finders, he entered the House of Representatives in December 1982 and served from 1982-83 and later from 1984-2001.
Peter Reith became a shadow minister from 1987 until 1996. His posts included Shadow Minister for Sports and Recreation, Shadow Minister of Housing, and Shadow Attorney General (1988).
He also served as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Minister for Defense. After the loss of the Liberal Party driven by Andrew Peacock at the 1990 government political decision and Peacock’s resulting renunciation from the administration. Reith was looking for leadership, yet he faced defeat by John Hewson, who won by 62 votes to 13.
In the years 1990,1991, and 1992 when Reith was Shadow Treasurer, Budgets were conveyed by a different Treasurer.
He left as Shadow Treasurer after the Liberal Party was crushed in the 1993 election and lost the deputy Liberal leadership.
The Liberal Party leader, Peter Dutton, said,” If ever there was a stalwart of the Liberal party, it was Peter Reith.”
