Nick Bolkus, a “formidable and tireless” figure in Australian politics and a former federal Labor minister, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning.

Bolkus made history as the first Greek Australian to become a cabinet minister, serving under both the Hawke and Keating administrations. He is remembered as one of South Australia’s longest-serving senators.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, stating that the “Labor family mourns one of our great sons.”

“Nick Bolkus entered public life as a young man full of idealism and urgency, remaining true to these principles throughout his extensive and distinguished career,” Albanese remarked.

In every role he undertook, Bolkus was driven by a desire to reform government tools and authority to better serve the aspirations and rights of everyday Australians.

“Nick Bolkus loved his home state in that fiercely proud way South Australians do and his family and his community knew they could always find him at Joe’s kiosk at Henley Beach.

“Our love and sympathy to Nick’s family, friends and loved ones. His memory will love long in Labor hearts. May Nick Bolkus rest in eternal peace.”

Bolkus, born in Adelaide in 1950, began his political career in the Labor Party around age 16 when he helped hand-deliver letters to the Greek electorate in Don Dunstan’s campaign in the city’s north-east.

Building on a foundation of community service, he was first elected to the Senate in 1980 and was repeatedly re-elected over the decades.

Under Keating’s new government in 1993, he served as minister for immigration and ethnic affairs and minister assisting the prime minister for multicultural affairs.

He acted as minister for consumer affairs, assisting the treasurer for prices and administrative services under Hawke.

Bolkus also served as the shadow attorney-general and minister for justice and environment and heritage.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas Bolkus was most proud of allowing tens of thousands of Chinese citizens to remain in Australia following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre — a decision which was “grounded in humanity and moral leadership that continues to resonate today”.

He said the country has lost a dedicated servant, while Labor has lost a great champion.

“Nick was deeply respected across the political divide,” he said.

“He was a formidable intellect, a tireless advocate for the Labor Party, and a generous mentor to many. He was much loved by his family, colleagues and friends.

“We honour his service and thank him for all he gave to our state and our country. May he rest in peace.”

Bolkus is survived by his wife Mary, and three children, Aria, Mikayla and Nick.