Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to former Fraser government health minister Jim Carlton, who died on Dec. 25, Christmas Day, aged 80. Turnbull called Carlton a “political mentor” and an important figure in Australia's political history.

"He was a good political mentor to many people, including me, and he remained a source of good advice and encouragement for all his life," Turnbull said in a statement, according to ABC News.

Carlton served as a health minister in Fraser government from May 1982 to March 1983. For most of the time after this, he was in the shadow ministry.

"Jim will be remembered for his valuable contribution to policy and public debate in Australia, in politics, in parliament and in academia. Most importantly, he will be remembered by those right across the political spectrum as a thoroughly decent, warm-hearted and generous person."

According to news.com.au, Carlton would probably have become treasurer if John Howard had won the 1987 elections. Following his retirement from politics, Carlton served as secretary-general of the Australian Red Cross from 1994 to 2000. He was also appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2001 and was recognised by the Australian Centenary Medal in 2003.

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