Peter Walsh (Australian politician)

Peter Augustine Walsh (22 August 1935 – 6 April 2012) was an Australian politician who served as a Senator for Western Australia from 1974 to 1993, representing the Australian Labor Party (ALP).

Walsh was born in Doodlakine, Western Australia, and worked as a farmer before entering politics. His background in agriculture heavily influenced his political views, which often leaned towards fiscal conservatism and a pragmatic approach to economic management. He was known for his sharp wit, blunt speaking style, and willingness to challenge accepted wisdom within the Labor Party.

During his time in the Senate, Walsh held several shadow ministerial portfolios, including Shadow Minister for Primary Industry and Shadow Minister for Resources and Energy.

Following the ALP's victory in the 1983 federal election, led by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, Walsh was appointed Minister for Resources and Energy, a position he held until 1984. He then served as Minister for Finance from 1984 to 1990. As Minister for Finance, he played a key role in the Hawke government's economic reforms, advocating for deregulation, privatization, and fiscal discipline. He was a strong proponent of reducing government debt and controlling spending. His focus on economic rationalism sometimes put him at odds with other factions within the Labor Party.

After retiring from the Senate in 1993, Walsh remained a commentator on Australian politics and economics, often contributing articles to newspapers and journals. He was critical of both Labor and Liberal governments for what he perceived as their lack of fiscal responsibility.