Arabic version: وفاة النائب السابق بيتر كاتسامبانيس عن 60 عاماً

According to ABC News, former Western Australian and Victorian MP Peter Katsambanis has died aged 60. His wife, Karalee Katsambanis, said the family was “devastated” by his death and thanked the heart transplant team at The Alfred hospital that had been caring for him.

In a social media tribute, Karalee Katsambanis described her husband as “a great man: loved, adored, treasured and respected by so many people”. She said she had lost her “soulmate and love of my life” and thanked people for their support.

Mr Katsambanis served in the Western Australian parliament from 2013 to 2021, first in the Legislative Council and then in the Legislative Assembly as the member for Hillarys. He was defeated by Labor’s Caitlin Collins in the 2021 state election. His opposition roles included police, road safety, justice and industrial relations spokesperson.

He had earlier served in the Victorian parliament from 1996 to 2002. WA Liberal Party state director Simon Morgan called him one of the party’s “fiercest and finest” warriors, citing his work as a student, adviser and parliamentarian in Victoria and Western Australia.

WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said Mr Katsambanis had made an incredible contribution to the Liberal Party and public life across two states. He also noted his role in the Greek Australian community. Mr Katsambanis was president of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association from 2017 to 2021 and vice-president of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia. Funeral details are to be provided by his family, with the service to be held in Melbourne.