Michael Egan, longest-serving treasurer in NSW history, dies aged 75 - 9News

Michael Egan, the former New South Wales treasurer who held the position for longer than anyone else in the state's history, has died aged 75.

The long-serving Labor stalwart died last night following a long illness.

Egan was treasurer in Bob Carr's government for almost a decade, holding the position from April 1995 when Labor won power until January 2005.

Former NSW treasurer Michael Egan, who held the position longer than anyone else in the state's history, has died. (Glen McCurtayne/Fairfax)

He had entered politics as the member for Cronulla in 1978 before losing office in the 1984 election, leading to a move to the upper house two years later.

He remained in the Legislative Council for more than 18 years, becoming the first treasurer to hail from the upper house in the process.

"On becoming treasurer, Michael rapidly returned the NSW budget to surplus and kept it there, building the Carr government's reputation for economic and fiscal competence," current Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said in a joint statement today.

"During his stewardship, NSW all but eliminated net government debt while also investing heavily to improve essential services and infrastructure and hosting the Olympic Games.

Former premier Bob Carr paid tribute to Egan as a friend and "superb treasurer". (Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

"While Labor to his bootstraps and not one to 'altercate in undertones', Michael cherished our democratic institutions and always acted to ensure they deserved the public's trust.

"Impatient with theorists and purists, he excelled at producing economic and social reforms through the messy compromise of politics.

"He drove changes to make NSW ports, energy, rail and water more competitive, reducing prices for households and businesses, improving living standards and creating jobs."

Carr also paid tribute to Egan following his passing, saying he was a "superb treasurer".

"I pay tribute to my friend and colleague Michael Egan who died last night relieved at last from the pain of a long illness," the former premier wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"Superb treasurer, authentic and funny raconteur, candid and trustworthy, committed to public service.

"Knew him in Young Labor, campaigned in shopping centres in the 1966 election dominated by conscription and Vietnam War.

"He and Helena enjoyed a great rapport. So sad."

Following his career in politics, Egan chaired both the Australia Day Council and Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, and also became Macquarie University's longest-serving chancellor between 2008 and 2019.

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2024-01-31 23:56:58Z
CBMie2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LjluZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9uYXRpb25hbC9taWNoYWVsLWVnYW4tZGVhdGgtZm9ybWVyLW5zdy10cmVhc3VyZXItZGllcy1hZ2VkLTc1LzRjMWFiZmM5LTE5OWMtNGViMC05YWM4LTNlZTEzOTU3YzE2MNIBRWh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLjluZXdzLmNvbS5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzRjMWFiZmM5LTE5OWMtNGViMC05YWM4LTNlZTEzOTU3YzE2MA

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