THERE has been an outpouring of gratitude and respect for the man credited with the establishment of Newhaven College on Phillip Island.
His colleague, the second-longest serving Australian Prime Minister John Howard described him as a dear friend who “contributed an enormous amount to politics in Australia", serving terms as Minister for Defence and Minister for Industrial Relations in a parliamentary career that stretched from 1982 to 2001.
"He will be long remembered as someone who had the courage to finally do something about the low productivity on the Australian waterfront," said Mr Howard.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to Mr Reith as a “stalwart of the Liberal Party”.
“He was loyal to each leader as he was to his party, whether in government or opposition,” he said in a statement.
“Peter’s political legacy is extensive. He will be remembered most, however, for his fearlessness in the face of extreme union intimidation – especially by freeing up the waterfront to ensure Australia had a more productive, forward-looking economy.
“He was an architect of pivotal workplace reform which put the interests of employers and employees first.”
Others have followed.
Newhaven College has issued the following heartfelt tribute to Mr Reith.
“It is with much sadness that Newhaven College acknowledge the passing of College Life Governor and Founding Secretary of the school, the Honourable Mr Peter Reith.
“It was in the living room of Peter’s home in Cowes in 1976 that interested parties gathered with the idea of establishing a Christian community school on Phillip Island.
“Through Peter’s hard work and commitment, along with other dedicated residents and parents, Newhaven College was founded.
“Peter’s vision was for a school that co-operated between all Christian denominations, committed to academic excellence and with a global view on education and a strong commitment to the community. Peter’s vision is the very school we see today.
“Peter was not only a significant figure in Newhaven’s history but a great Australian. In addition to a successful career in law and business, Peter was a senior cabinet minister in the Australian government from 1996 to 2001.
“He was a key figure in Australian politics throughout the 1990's and was deputy leader of the Liberal party under Prime Minister John Howard.”
Following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Peter Reith died peacefully on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Mr Reith is survived by his wife, Kerrie, and four sons – David, Simon, Paul and Robert.
