Former federal Liberal MP Petro Georgiou, a member of the Howard government, has died aged 77.

He served as federal MP for Kooyong from 1994 to 2010, when he retired after 35 years in politics.

Josh Frydenberg, his successor in the blue ribbon Melbourne seat, said Georgiou was “widely respected for his integrity, intelligence and commitment to the local community”.

“Like his predecessor in the seat Andrew Peacock AC, Petro was a small ‘l’ Liberal who had a big impact,” he said.

“He combined the skills of an effective political strategist with deep policy insights and an unwavering commitment to liberal values.”

Former Victorian Liberal Party leader and Hawthorn MP John Pesutto said he was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a “great Australian and dear friend” and a “giant in Australian politics”.

“Petro was a man of enormous integrity – principled and unwavering in his convictions, putting them at every stage before political advancement, earning him the esteem and respect of so many,” he said.

“He was revered by generations of new Australians who arrived in our country in search of a better life, and he earned their love and respect through his tireless support and advocacy.

“He was a towering figure within the Liberal Party, and his legacy of service transcends party lines and extends far beyond politics.”

Georgiou was an advocate for multicultural Australia during Malcolm Fraser’s term from 1975 to 1979, when he was an adviser to the prime minister. He also helped establish SBS.

He went on to be the inaugural director of the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs from 1980 to 1985.

He served as Liberal Party state director, where he helped Jeff Kennett come to office in Victoria in 1992.

“Without Petro’s work prior to the state election in 1992 we would never have won that election. We are indebted to Petro,” Kennett said.

Georgiou is survived by his partner Roxanne and children Dino and Alexia.