THE HON PETER REITH AM (OB

1968)

began his career as a lawyer, practising in both Melbourne and Cowes in rural Victoria. He then transitioned into politics, becoming a Councillor of the Shire of Phillip Island in 1976.

He was a stalwart of the Young Liberal movement and was eventually elected to the House of Representatives as MP for Flinders in 1983. He lost his seat four months later when the Bob Hawkeled ALP bundled out the then Fraser Government. He was re-elected again in 1984, holding the seat until his retirement from politics in 2001.

In politics, Peter served in several shadow portfolios including Shadow Attorney General and Shadow Treasurer and was Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition at the time of John Hewson’s leadership.

When the Howard Government was swept to power in 1996, Peter was appointed Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Small Business was soon added to his Ministerial responsibilities and in 2000, he was appointed Minister for Defence. Peter also served as Leader of the House in the Howard Government.

Respected political journalist Robert Gottliebsen once described Peter’s achievements and tenacity with waterfront reform as one of the country’s best achievements by a politician.

He was instrumental in developing the Liberal Party’s ‘Fightback’ policy, which included the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax.

Peter’s contributions to public service were not limited to his political career. While practising law in Phillip Island, he played a key role in establishing Newhaven College and a penguin research facility.

Peter will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his contributions to shaping Australian politics and as a loving family man.

Peter had a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease which ended his life in November 2022. He is survived by his wife Kerrie, four sons Paul, Simon, David and Robbie and stepson Simon.

He will be greatly missed by three of his rowing crew mates from the 1968 BGS First VIII; Peter Thornborrow, Peter Wilson AM and Andrew Biggin. All four had their birthdays fall between 8- and 15 July and the four families celebrated the birthday dinner together for many years.

01 Simon Angus (Deputy Headmaster), Richard Zachariah

02 Warwick Brewster, Brian Comport, Paul Taylor

03 Malcom Wylie, Peter Toms OAM, Alan Noble

PENDENNIS CHAPTER ‘60 YEARS ON’ REUNION

Attendees

Warwick Brewster (OB 1960), Brian Comport (OB 1958), Ross Featherston (Headmaster), Patrick Humphries (OB 1962), Geoffrey Knight AM (OB 1960), Rowan McKeon (OB 1962), Colin Neave AM (OB 1961), Alan Noble (OB 1953), Michael Osborne Hon. (OB 1985, OBGS President), Jamie Pearce (OB 1959), John Smith (OB 1962), Victor Stewart (OB 1961), Stephen Tanner (OB 1955), Paul Taylor (OB 1963), Graeme Templeton (OB 1961), Peter Toms OAM (Staff), Roger Wilson OAM (OB 1961), Malcolm Wylie (OB 1954), Richard Zachariah (OB 1962), Norman Zantuck (OB 1962)