Vale: Matt Peacock

Journalist Matt Peacock, who had a decades long career at ABC News, has died.

ABC journalist Quentin Dempster said Peacock was a “great ABC radio and TV broadcaster and investigative journalist”.

“Matt has died at Royal North Shore Hospital after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” he said.

“His 30 year exposure of asbestosis stands as a profound legacy, saving countless lives.”

Peacock was the chief political correspondent for current affairs in Canberra, as well as the broadcaster’s foreign correspondent in London, Washington and New York. He worked for radio programs AM, The World Today and PM, specialising in politics, environment and science.

He worked in regional Australia for seven years, reporting on issues impacting Aboriginal and remote communities. He was also a former ABC Board member.

Peacock authored several books, including Asbestos: Work as a Health Hazard and The Forgotten People — a History of Australia’s South Sea Islanders.

He also wrote a book on the history of the former Australian asbestos manufacturer James Hardie, called Killer Company which became ABC mini-series Devil’s Dust starring Anthony Hayes, Don Hany and Ewen Leslie as Matt Peacock.

ABC Chair Kim Williams AM said, “The ABC is deeply saddened to hear we have lost Matt Peacock. Since starting at the ABC as a cadet in 1973 he was dedicated to pursuing the health impacts of asbestos in different communities, defending the marginalised and giving a voice to people who needed their story to be told. Our audiences trusted him and knew him as a courageous and principled journalist who pursued those who hid from their responsibilities.

“He loved the ABC and believed in its integrity and standards, and he urged his colleagues to uphold these values without compromise. Matt further represented these values as staff elected ABC Board member from 2013 where he tirelessly advocated for the role of the ABC and the importance of the journalism it delivered. After retiring from the ABC, he was just as vocal as a member of the ABC Alumni.

“We will miss his friendship and advice. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.”

Source: ABC