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Malcolm Fraser: Former Australian PM dies aged 84 | Malcolm Fraser: Former Australian PM dies aged 84 |
(35 minutes 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, who led the nation between 1975 and 1983, died after a short illness. | |
He became its leader in controversial circumstances, after the unprecedented dismissal of PM Gough Whitlam. | |
Once in office, he championed the rights of Indigenous Australians and refugees, a stance that put him on a collision course with his own party in later life. | |
The statement from his office said he "died peacefully in the early hours of the morning" on Friday. | |
"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," it added. | |
'Keen interest' | |
The constitutional crisis that led to Mr Fraser becoming prime minister in 1975 formed an integral part of his image in Australia. | |
As leader of the opposition he blocked finance bills for government programmes, forcing Governor-General Sir John Kerr's to dismiss Mr Whitlam as prime minister. | |
Mr Fraser was then appointed caretaker prime minister 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. | 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 became 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 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. | He became so disenchanted with the Liberal Party that in 2010 he renounced his membership. |
Australian Prime Minister and current Liberal leader Tony Abbott, often a target of Mr Fraser's criticism, praised the former leader 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. | "In a long and active retirement, he maintained a keen interest in our country's direction," Mr Abbott said. |
'A politician of principle' | 'A politician of principle' |
Tributes to the former prime minister poured in from Australian politicians across the party divide. | 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. | 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. | "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." | "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." | 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. | 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. |