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Former Western Australian and Victorian parliamentarian Peter Katsambanis has died at the age of 60, prompting tributes from across the Liberal Party and the Greek Australian community.<\/p>\n
Katsambanis was remembered as a dedicated public servant and one of the Liberal Party\u2019s \u201cfiercest and finest\u201d political warriors.<\/p>\n
His wife, Karalee Katsambanis, said the family was devastated by his death and described him as a deeply loved and respected man.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a great man: loved, adored, treasured and respected by so many people,\u201d she wrote in a tribute shared on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs his wife, I\u2019ve lost my soulmate and love of my life and I thank everyone for all their support.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also expressed her gratitude to the heart transplant team at Melbourne\u2019s Alfred Hospital, who had been caring for her husband.<\/p>\n
Katsambanis served in the Victorian Parliament from 1996 to 2002 before later entering Western Australian politics.<\/p>\n
He represented the Liberal Party in the WA Parliament from 2013 to 2021, initially serving in the Legislative Council before moving to the Legislative Assembly as the member for Hillarys.<\/p>\n
Katsambanis held several opposition responsibilities, including portfolios covering police, road safety, justice and industrial relations.<\/p>\n
He was defeated by Labor candidate Caitlin Collins at the 2021 Western Australian election, as Labor secured a landslide victory across the state.<\/p>\n
Liberal Party of WA state director Simon Morgan described Katsambanis as an exceptional contributor to the party throughout his political career.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeter Katsambanis was the fiercest and finest of warriors for the Liberal cause as a student, a trusted adviser and as a member of parliament in both Victoria and Western Australia,\u201d Morgan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur party is poorer for his loss and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to Karalee and to all of Peter\u2019s children at this sad time.\u201d<\/p>\n
WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas also paid tribute, highlighting Katsambanis\u2019 commitment to public service.<\/p>\n
\u201cService always came first for Peter,\u201d Zempilas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was such a committed representative and he occupies a rare place in Australian politics, having served in the Victorian parliament and in both houses of the parliament of Western Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zempilas also recognised Katsambanis\u2019 significant contribution to the Greek Australian community.<\/p>\n
Beyond politics, Katsambanis played an active role in Australia\u2019s Hellenic community.<\/p>\n
He served as president of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association from 2017 to 2021 and was a vice president of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia.<\/p>\n
His death has been met with sadness among political colleagues, friends and members of the Greek Australian community.<\/p>\n
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. The funeral is expected to be held in Melbourne.<\/p>\n