Liberal Party pays tribute to ‘fierce warrior’ Peter Katsambanis after former member for Hillarys death

Former Liberal member for Hillarys Peter Katsambanis has died, aged 60.

Mr Katsambanis’ wife Karalee posted the sad news on social media on Saturday.

“It is with great sadness and gratitude to the heart transplant team at The Alfred (Hospital in Melbourne) for caring for our darling Peter who has now sadly passed away,” Mrs Katsambanis said in her post.

“We are all devastated, he was a great man.”

Mr Katsambanis — a former member of the Victorian Parliament before moving to WA — was elected to the Legislative Council of the WA Parliament at the 2013 State election.

Four years later, he resigned to successfully contest the Legislative Assembly seat of Hillarys. He later lost the seat to Labor’s Caitlin Collins in 2021.

WA Liberals, including former premier Colin Barnett, paid tribute to their former colleague.

“It is very sad news to hear of Peter’s passing,” Mr Barnett said.

“He was a popular member of parliament and I very much enjoyed his company and the way he approached things.

“Peter just loved politics and participating. He had a good policy brain and he was a team player.”

The former premier said that was “exemplified” when he switched from Legislative council to assembly after Rob Johnson left the Liberals to run as an independent.

“Peter took a risk to his own career to do what he believed was the right thing to do and win that seat for the Liberals,” Mr Barnett said.

WA Liberal leader Basil Zempilas also paid his respects, saying said Mr Katsambanis had “made an incredible contribution to the Liberal Party and to public life in two States”.

“Service always came first for Peter, he 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,” Mr Zempilas said.

“He also made a significant contribution to the Greek Australian community right around the country.

“He will be greatly missed by his friends and former colleagues and we extend our very sincere condolences to Karalee and all the family.”

Liberal state director Simon Morgan said Mr Katsambanis was the “finest of warriors”.

“Peter 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,” he said.

“Our Party is poorer for his loss and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to Karalee and to all of Peter’s children at this sad time.”