Remembering the life of ABC's investigative journalist Matt Peacock (72)
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The Australian media landscape lost one of its most tenacious journalists.
Investigative journalist Matt Peacock has passed away at 72 after a bout with pancreatic cancer.
Fellow ABC Journalist Quentin Dempster confirmed his passing on a social media post.
Matt Peacock's career began in 1973 after joining the ABC as a cadet.
Over the years, he became a revered industry figure who has worked across a variety of television and radio programmes.
Matt Peacock became the Chief Political Correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra.
He also spent seven years reporting on issues affecting Aboriginal and remote communities in regional Australia.
His commitment to social justice and giving a voice to the marginalised was a hallmark of his reporting style.
Eventually, he became a foreign correspondent in major cities such as London, Washington, and New York.
In 2013, Matt Peacock became a staff-elected ABC Board member.
During his tenure, he established the ABC Alumni Organisation, which rallied against budget cuts in 2020.
One of Peacock's significant projects was his relentless investigation into Australia's asbestos industry.
His book, Killer Company, chronicled the history of Australia's leading asbestos manufacturer, James Hardie.
It also exposed the material's health hazards and its impact towards industry workers and communities.
ABC adopted Peacock's book into a mini-series titled Devil's Dust.
Colleagues and contemporaries have paid tribute to Matt Peacock's work ethic and journalistic integrity.
ABC journalist Quentin Dempster highlighted Peacock's '30-year exposure of asbestosis' as a profound legacy that has saved countless lives.
ABC Chair Kim Williams spoke of Peacock's dedication to journalism.
'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,' Mr Williams said.
Watch one of Matt Peacock's interviews here:
Source: ABC News Australia/YouTube
ABC news director Justin Stevens shared an anecdote when he worked alongside Peacock for 7.30.
'I saw firsthand his experience as a journalist and his commitment to bringing to light stories that held institutions, businesses, and governments accountable on behalf of the public,' Mr Stevens shared.
Matt Peacock's work has left an indelible mark on the nation, highlighting the power of journalism to effect change and protect communities.
As we remember Matt Peacock, we are reminded of the critical role investigative journalists play in society and the need to support their endeavours.
May he rest in peace.
Investigative journalist Matt Peacock has passed away at 72 after a bout with pancreatic cancer.
Fellow ABC Journalist Quentin Dempster confirmed his passing on a social media post.
Matt Peacock's career began in 1973 after joining the ABC as a cadet.
Over the years, he became a revered industry figure who has worked across a variety of television and radio programmes.
Matt Peacock became the Chief Political Correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra.
Matt Peacock in 2012, during one of his excursions in India as he investigated the asbestos industry. Image Credit: YouTube/ABC News Australia
He also spent seven years reporting on issues affecting Aboriginal and remote communities in regional Australia.
His commitment to social justice and giving a voice to the marginalised was a hallmark of his reporting style.
Eventually, he became a foreign correspondent in major cities such as London, Washington, and New York.
In 2013, Matt Peacock became a staff-elected ABC Board member.
During his tenure, he established the ABC Alumni Organisation, which rallied against budget cuts in 2020.
One of Peacock's significant projects was his relentless investigation into Australia's asbestos industry.
His book, Killer Company, chronicled the history of Australia's leading asbestos manufacturer, James Hardie.
It also exposed the material's health hazards and its impact towards industry workers and communities.
ABC adopted Peacock's book into a mini-series titled Devil's Dust.
Colleagues and contemporaries have paid tribute to Matt Peacock's work ethic and journalistic integrity.
ABC journalist Quentin Dempster highlighted Peacock's '30-year exposure of asbestosis' as a profound legacy that has saved countless lives.
ABC Chair Kim Williams spoke of Peacock's dedication to journalism.
'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,' Mr Williams said.
Watch one of Matt Peacock's interviews here:
Source: ABC News Australia/YouTube
ABC news director Justin Stevens shared an anecdote when he worked alongside Peacock for 7.30.
'I saw firsthand his experience as a journalist and his commitment to bringing to light stories that held institutions, businesses, and governments accountable on behalf of the public,' Mr Stevens shared.
Matt Peacock's work has left an indelible mark on the nation, highlighting the power of journalism to effect change and protect communities.
May he rest in peace.
