Les Johnson, who served Sutherland Shire for 25 years as the federal MP for Hughes, died on Tuesday at 90 after enduring lung cancer for several years.
The Labor MP, who lived at Jannali for many years, represented Hughes from 1955-1966 and from 1969-1983.
He was a minister in the Whitlam government, with the portfolios of Housing, Works and Aboriginal Affairs.
Mr Johnson was only 30 when he was elected the first member for the newly created seat of Hughes in 1955, becoming the youngest member of the House of Representatives.
He was defeated by Liberal Don Dobie in the 1966 election, which was fought over Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war, which he fiercely opposed.
Three years later, he regained the seat when public support for the war had waned.
In 1983, Mr Johnson resigned from Parliament to become Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, a position he held until 1988.
His local achievements as an MP included joining with the Labor-controlled Sutherland Shire Council in strongly opposing federal government moves to build a second Sydney airport at Towra Point.
The area was later dedicated a nature reserve.
As minister for Aboriginal affairs, Mr Johnson played a pivotal role in the Whitlam government’s moves towards reconciliation with indigenous Australians.
Mr Johnson was at the forefront of opposition to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war, and particularly conscription.
He was among the first MPs to speak on the matter in Parliament, and in 1966 visited Vietnam at his own expense to acquire a first-hand understanding.
In 1990, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.
Labor leader Bill Shorten said, ‘‘Les Johnson was Labor to his bootstraps’’.
‘‘He fought for the rights of working people on the shop floor and in the community, from when he was first elected in 1955 until his retirement in 1983.
‘‘Les was a local champion as well as a great internationalist; he understood the power of community, particularly as minister for housing, which he saw as a powerful economic catalyst as well as a human right.’’
Former president of the Senate, Doug McClelland, a long-time St George resident, said Mr Johnson was ‘‘a close mate and a true believer’’.
‘‘Wherever he spoke, whether it was in the caucus, parliament or cabinet, he was listened to in silence because everyone recognised he knew what he was talking about,’’ Mr McClelland said.
Mr Johnson’s first wife, Gladys (Peg), died in 2002 and their daughter Sally died of breast cancer in 1988.
In 2003, he married Marion Sharkey and the couple lived in Shoal Bay until his death.
Mr Johnson leaves Marion and his children, Grant and Jennifer, a grandson, two great grandchildren, three stepchildren and a brother, Eric.
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