ABC veteran Matt Peacock dies sending shockwaves through the community

Former ABC journalist Matt Peacock has died aged 72.

Mr Peacock had a decades-long career with the national broadcaster after joining in 1973.

The senior journalist was chief political correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra and foreign correspondent in London, Washington and New York.

He died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

ABC chairman Kim Williams expressed his condolences.

“Since joining the ABC as a cadet in 1973, he has been committed to researching the health effects of asbestos in diverse communities, championing the marginalized and giving a voice to people who wanted their stories told,” he said .

“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.

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

Mr Peacock also worked for several leading ABC radio and television programmes, including AM, The World Today and PM.

He specialized in reporting on politics, the environment and science.

Peacock was best known for exposing how global materials giant James Hardie Industries covered up the deaths of thousands of Australians due to asbestos.

His book Killer Company: James Hardie detailed the dangerous products the company manufactured.

ABC journalist Quentin Dempster praised his colleague on X as a “great ABC radio and TV broadcaster and investigative journalist.”

“His 30 years of exposure to asbestosis stands as a profound legacy that saved countless lives,” Mr. Dempster wrote.

Mr Peacock’s career at ABC began when he joined the broadcaster as an intern in 1973.

He was elected to the ABC board by his colleagues in 2013 after a vote of 1,800 employees.