Malcolm Fraser, Australia’s 22nd Prime Minister and one of the central figures in the most controversial event in Australian political history, passed away early this morning following a brief illness. He was 84.
Fraser’s office released a brief statement confirming the news a short time ago.
“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. 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.”
Fraser was installed as Prime Minister on the 11th of November, 1975 by then Governor-General Sir John Kerr, following the highly contentious dismissal of the Whitlam Government. At the ensuing Federal Election, Fraser lead the Liberal Party to the largest majority ever held by an Australian Government.
He remained Prime Minister until 1983, when the Bob Hawke-led Labor Party won office.
In later years, Fraser proved to be something of a more moderate conservative, and was vocally critical of subsequent Liberal Governments over a range of policy. Notably, he disapproved vehemently of the Howard Coalition Government‘s foreign policy and relationship with US President George W Bush, which he saw as damaging to Australia’s reputation in key Asian markets. He also outwardly criticised Howard’s treatment of asylum seekers, and his willingness to blindly follow the US into the conflict in Iraq, stating “if Australia continues to follow United States policies, it runs the risk of being embroiled in the conflict in Iraq for decades, and a fear of Islam in the Australian community will take years to eradicate.“
In 2009 Fraser officially resigned from the Liberal Party, shortly after Tony Abbott was elected party leader, stating at the time that “the party was no longer a liberal party, but a conservative party.” And Fraser even went so far as to endorse Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young in the ensuing years.
A polarising figure amongst Australian politics – particularly within his own party. But nevertheless, one of the most important figures in Australian political history.
A titan. An iron willed warrior. A man completely unafraid to let party rhetoric get in the way of what he saw as right and wrong.
He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, John Malcolm Fraser.
Photo: William West via Getty Images.
