The former National Party leader and deputy prime minister Tim Fischer has died at the age of 73.

He had been battling leukaemia and passed away peacefully on Wednesday night.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce tells Steve Price he was essential to the Howard government.

“Tim was the quintessential National Party politician.

“At the start, people thought of him as quirky and then they realised that he was one of the most astute and able politicians that have probably ever graced the Parliament.”

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Former deputy prime minister John Anderson worked closely with Mr Fischer.

He tells Steve the late leader had a lot of courage.

“In the tough game of politics he copped plenty but he never returned personal vitriol.”

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