Former Liberal Party leader Andrew Peacock dies in the United States aged 82
Former Liberal leader Andrew Peacock has died at his home in the US, aged 82.
His daughter Ann Peacock confirmed the death on Friday evening in a moving tribute to her ‘beautiful, loving, most caring, thoughtful, generous and brilliant father.’
‘You will be so greatly missed, your guidance and deep love for us will live in my heart, we are absolutely devastated,’ she said.
Mr Peacock, known as the ‘Colt from Kooyong’, entered Parliament at the age of 27, following Sir Robert Menzies as Member for Kooyong.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Peacock was a ‘great Australian’ and ‘treasure’ of the Liberal Party.
Former Liberal leader Andrew Peacock has died at his home in the US, aged 82. He is pictured in Sydney in 2005
Andrew Peacock is pictured with his daugher Ann, who paid tribute to the former Liberal leader on Friday night
‘He was one of our greatest Liberals who helped shape Australia and the Liberal Party over three decades,’ he said in a statement on Friday night.
Mr Peacock served in Parliament for over 28 years and was a Minister in the Gorton, McMahon and Fraser governments.
He led the Liberal Party to two elections – in 1984 and 1990 – but lost to Bob Hawke’s Labor Party on both occasions.
Following his time in Parliament, Mr Peacock served as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States.
Mr Peacock held the Army, External Territories, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Industrial Relations and Industry and Commerce portfolios during his time as a minister.
‘He was Minister for the Army during part of the Vietnam War. A difficult portfolio in the most challenging of times,’ Mr Morrison said.
Mr Peacock is pictured with his daughter Ann in 2015. She said her father would be ‘greatly missed’
Pictured: Former Politician Andrew Peacock and his wife Penne Korth attend The Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse in November 2005
Mr Morrison said Mr Peacock was ‘instrumental’ in gaining Australian acceptance for Papua New Guinea Independence during his time as Minister for External Territories.
He visited PNG over 50 times in his career and was awarded the Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, making him an honorary chief.
‘Andrew had a rich life outside politics. He had a lifelong love of horse racing and the Essendon Football Club, Mr Morrison said.
‘His love of his daughters was a mainstay of his life. In later life, his wider family also brought him immense happiness.
‘To his wife Penne and his family, Jenny and I extend the sympathies of the Government and the Liberal Party.’
More to come