Former NSW Nationals leader and deputy premier Ian Armstrong has died, aged 83.
The NSW government announced his death on Wednesday, saying Mr Armstrong "embodied what it is to be a rural advocate".
The statement paid tribute to Mr Armstrong's work in regional communities.
As agriculture minister Mr Armstrong was responsible for relocating the Department of Agriculture to Orange in 1992, the largest decentralisation project undertaken by a government.
Mr Armstrong was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for 25 years between 1981 and 2007, representing the seat of Lachlan.
He became deputy premier in May 1993 until April 1995 and remained leader of the National Party until 1999 when two months before the election he was ousted by his deputy George Souris.
"Ian will be dearly missed and his tireless work for the people of NSW and to the NSW Nationals will live on forever," the NSW government statement says.
"Our condolences to his family and to all the people touched by the life of this remarkable person."
Mr Armstrong's family has been offered a state funeral.
