Gary Nairn AO, former long-serving Liberal Federal member for the NSW electorate of Eden-Monaro, died in Queensland on Saturday night, June 1. He was 73.

Mr Nairn had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

According to friend and former member for Monaro, Nichole Overall, Mr Nairn was a well-respected local politician.

“A great friend of our family for many years, like many others – particularly in Eden-Monaro – we have fond memories of Gary both personally and professionally,” she said.

“He truly cared about his electorate and remained a committed community advocate.”

First elected in the John Howard landslide of 1996, Mr Nairn was re-elected in three further elections. He served as a Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister John Howard and from 2006, as Special Minister for State.

A Sydney-sider by birth, Mr Nairn studied at the University of NSW, going on to have a private practice in surveying and mapping in the Northern Territory.

“It was here Gary’s political journey started,” Nichole said.

“He joined the Country Liberal Party (CLP) and served as its president for four years. They’d also make him a life member. On his return to NSW, he’d be preselected for Eden-Monaro, and the rest is forever recorded on Hansard.”

During his time in parliament, Mr Nairn also led the inquiry into Canberra’s 2003 bushfires.

The report, “A Nation Charred”, highlighted issues including lack of community preparedness and the impact on emergency service workers.

Following the 2007 election when Labor came to power, Mr Nairn continued to be involved with numerous community organisations and activities. These ranged from Rotary to Monaro Early Intervention Services for children with disabilities.

In 2018, he became the national chair of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Australia and a director of the Biodiversity and Conservation Trust of NSW.

“Alongside his many other roles, Gary was also chair of the Mulloon Institute until stepping down earlier this year due to his health,” said Nichole.

“He was very passionate about all they were achieving in sustainable agriculture and regenerative environmental practices.”

“Gary was also very supportive of me entering the political arena and I was delighted to have him attend my inaugural parliamentary address, giving me the chance to acknowledge his significant contribution to our region.

“From a personal perspective, we’d always laugh about the time our families were having a catch up when one of our then young sons asked why John Howard was visiting us!

“Gary Nairn was a genuine, decent, man and he will be remembered and missed.”

Mr Nairn’s first wife, Kerrie also died of cancer in 2005.

He is survived by wife Rose, children Ben and Deborah and grandchildren.