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Former federal Liberal MP Petro Georgiou, who served under the Howard government, has died aged 77.
He served as federal MP for Kooyong from 1994 to 2010 when he retired after 35 years in politics.
Josh Frydenberg, his successor for the seat until he lost it to Monique Ryan in 2022, said Georgiou was "widely respected for his integrity, intelligence and commitment to the local community".
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"Like his predecessor in the seat Andrew Peacock AC, Petro was a small 'l' Liberal who had a big impact," he said in a statement.
"He combined the skills of an effective political strategist with deep policy insights and an unwavering commitment to liberal values."
Georgiou was an advocate for multicultural Australia during Malcolm Fraser's term from 1975 to 1979, when he was an adviser to the prime minister and helped establish SBS.
He went on to be the inaugural director of the Australian Institute of Multicultural Affairs from 1980 to 1985.
He served as Liberal Party state director, where he helped Jeff Kennett come to office in Victoria in 1992.
Georgiou is survived by his partner Roxanne and children Dino and Alexia.
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