ABC veteran Matt Peacock dies sending shockwaves through the community

Former ABC journalist Matt Peacock has died at the age of 72.

Peacock had a decades-long career at the national broadcaster after joining it 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 a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

ABC President Kim Williams shared his condolences.

“Since he started at the ABC as a cadet in 1973, he dedicated himself to investigating the health impacts of asbestos in different communities, advocating for the marginalized and giving a voice to people who needed their stories told,” he said.

‘Our public trusted him and knew him as a brave and principled journalist who pursued those who hid from their responsibilities.

‘He loved the ABC and believed in its integrity and standards and urged his colleagues to uphold these values ​​without compromise.

‘We will miss his friendship and advice. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.’

Peacock also worked for several iconic ABC television and radio shows, 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 from asbestos.

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

ABC journalist Quentin Dempster praised his X colleague as a “great ABC television and radio presenter and investigative journalist”.

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

Peacock’s career at ABC began when he joined the broadcaster in 1973 as a trainee.

He was elected to ABC’s board of directors in 2013 by his colleagues in a vote of 1,800 employees.