Death of Tony Eggleton AO CVO
We are deeply saddened by the death of Tony Eggleton.
Tony was a highly significant figure in Australian politics for more than four decades.
He was one of the Liberal Party’s greatest servants – having worked as press secretary to Robert Menzies, Harold Holt and John Gorton, as an adviser to Billy Snedden and Malcolm Fraser, and then as Federal Director from 1975 until 1990.
He was the Liberal Party’s national campaign director for seven federal elections.
Tony was also influential on the progress of centre-right politics around the world.
He was instrumental to the establishment of the Asia Pacific Democrat Union and his work with Margaret Thatcher led to the establishment of the International Democrat Union – a body which marks its 40th anniversary in London next month.
Tony Eggleton’s outstanding contribution extended beyond party politics – as a journalist, a public servant, a founding member of the National Press Club, secretary-general of CARE International, and CEO of the National Council for the Centenary of the Federation.
Tony was a kind and decent man. A biography that was published last year was entitled “A Very Proper Man” – a fitting description for one of Australia’s finest contributors to public life.
On behalf of the Liberal Party, I offer our condolences to Tony’s family.