Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Malcolm Fraser was a champion of human rights in Australia and around the world. For many, his opposition to apartheid, both in government and subsequently, was his finest hour. He was among the first world leaders to visit Nelson Mandela in Pollsmoor prison, where Mr Mandela had been transferred from Robben Island. Later, he served as the co-chairman of the Commonwealth Committee of Eminent Persons against Apartheid, which was formed in 1985 to encourage a process of dialogue and reform in South Africa.

His belief that Australia should chart a course in international affairs based on what was right, not what was fashionable, was on display when that committee recommended sanctions against South Africa in opposition to the then position of the British and American governments. This was consistent with his long-standing advocacy for an independent Australian foreign policy, which I greatly admire.

He was very generous in sharing his time before his most recent publication, Dangerous Allies, and in describing to me in detail his views about Australia's independent foreign policy. He would also later speak of how proud he was to attend Nelson Mandela's inauguration as President of South Africa in 1994.

He also changed the lives of many people around the world through his work with Care Australia. He had a strong belief that we in Australia have both the ability and the responsibility to give help where it is needed. He was chair of Care Australia from its formation in 1987 until 2002, president of Care International from 1990 to 1995 and vice president for another four years. His contribution, including through his understanding of the need for long-term capacity building to overcome the systemic challenges of poverty, was immense. In recent years he was embraced by many on the progressive side of politics for his outspoken defence of human rights, for his commitment to and respect for international institutions and for his advocacy for reconciliation and for a truly independent Australia—a republic.

These were not new causes for Malcolm Fraser. As Prime Minister, and as well as sharing the bipartisan opposition to apartheid, Mr Fraser continued the work of the Whitlam government on land rights, as well as passing the Australian Human Rights Commission Act in 1981 and establishing the Human Rights Commission.

In recent days we have heard and seen many tributes from those who arrived in Australia as refugees during the Fraser years. He was a great champion of multiculturalism and, of course, of SBS. As a champion of these issues, now perceived to be progressive, Malcolm Fraser was consistent. His advocacy was not a sign of changes to his own views but a reminder that there was a time when a belief in fundamental human rights, international law and equality, regardless of colour or creed, were uncontroversial views.

His great opponent, and later sometime ally, Gough Whitlam, did not wish that his achievements in the prime ministership be overshadowed by the way he left office. Nor did Malcolm Fraser wish his prime ministership to be defined solely by the manner in which he achieved it. History will forever record the controversy of the Dismissal, but so too it will record Malcolm Fraser's enduring contributions to our national life. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

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