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Malcolm Fraser: Former Australian PM dies aged 84 Malcolm Fraser: Former Australian PM dies aged 84
(about 1 hour later)
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser has died aged 84.Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser has died aged 84.
A statement from his office said Mr Fraser had died after a short illness.A statement from his office said Mr Fraser had died after a short illness.
He was prime minister and leader of Australia's Liberal Party from 1975 to 1983.He was prime minister and leader of Australia's Liberal Party from 1975 to 1983.
"It is with deep sadness that we inform you that after a brief illness John Malcolm Fraser died peacefully in the early hours of the morning of 20 March 2015," the statement said."It is with deep sadness that we inform you that after a brief illness John Malcolm Fraser died peacefully in the early hours of the morning of 20 March 2015," the statement said.
"We appreciate that this will be a shock to all who knew and loved him, but ask that the family be left in peace at this difficult time.""We appreciate that this will be a shock to all who knew and loved him, but ask that the family be left in peace at this difficult time."
Mr Fraser became prime minister in 1975 under controversial circumstances.
As leader of the opposition, he blocked finance bills for government programmes, leading to Governor-General Sir John Kerr's dismissal of the serving prime minister, Gough Whitlam.
Mr Fraser then served as caretaker at the head of a Liberal-Country Party coalition government until an election in December, which he won by a landslide.
Gough Whitlam's dismissal shocked the country and, with Mr Whitlam calling on his supporters to "maintain your rage", sparked off protest strikes and violent demonstrations.
In later years, Mr Fraser adopted the mantle of the elder statesman and he become a key figure in humanitarian and diplomatic circles.
He was a staunch critic of his own party, particularly under John Howard's leadership between 1996 and 2007 because of the party's policies on rights of Indigenous Australians and refugees.
He became so disenchanted with the Liberal Party that in 2010 he renounced his membership.
Australian Prime Minister and current Liberal leader Tony Abbott praised Mr Fraser for his "unwavering" opposition to apartheid and "deep interest in the advancement of indigenous people".
"In a long and active retirement, he maintained a keen interest in our country's direction," Mr Abbott said.
'A politician of principle'
Tributes to the former prime minister poured in from Australian politicians across the party divide.
As he was about to give a speech about taxation on Friday, Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey paid tribute to Mr Fraser and passed on his condolences to the former Liberal leader's family.
"Quite obviously, these events just indicate how in one way or another we all stand on the shoulders of those before us," said Mr Hockey.
"Right or wrong, many people have contributed to public life over a long period of time that have helped to build a better Australia and unquestionably he was one of them. So we pass on our condolences."
Education Minister Christopher Pyne said: "Vale Malcolm Fraser. A life dedicated to the service of our country. We will be poorer without him. Thoughts are with his family."
Sarah Hanson-Young, the Greens senator for South Australia, called him a "politician of principle and a leader of compassion", adding that she was "devastated" by the news.