Death of the Hon Ian Armstrong AM OBE Statement
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of the Honorable Ian Armstrong AM OBE, former leader of the NSW Nationals and Deputy Premier of NSW.
Ian embodied what it is to be a rural advocate, having been responsible for ensuring public servants work in the regional communities they represent and relocating the Department of Agriculture to Orange in 1992, the single largest decentralisation process undertaken by a Government department.
Ian also served as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the list of community organisations and boards he volunteered for during his lifetime was significant, signifying a life dedicated to serving and representing regional people.
Despite his substantive contributions as a Minister and as Deputy Premier, his commitment to his electorate of Lachlan never wavered and the area still benefits from his legacy as local member.
Ian will be dearly missed and his tireless work for the people of NSW and to the NSW Nationals will live on forever.
Our condolences to his family and to all the people touched by the life of this remarkable person.
The NSW Government has offered a state service to the family.