Andrew Peacock

It was with great sadness that I noted the departure of Andrew Peacock from Australian Federal Politics. His contribution to Australia over the past several decades reshaped the Conservative Australian community into a more forward looking and dynamic society. He took the lead on many issues both within the country and internationally, when his own comrades and opponents were still arguing and re-checking the small details. Peacock was rich with practical solutions and was able to communicate with Australians effectively.

As the Foreign Minister -- as well as the Shadow Spokesperson -- Peacock was respected internationally as a 'foreign policy power house,' for his negotiation skills and the ability to work with leaders of different political persuasions. He was the foreign policy master-mind of the Liberal governments and world leaders valued his thoughts on international issues. The trust he developed with the World Leaders over the years was an asset owned by none but Peacock himself.

As a Federal Minister in several portfolios, Peacock was firm on his position of Bi-partisan Immigration policy. Australia is now pursuing an "all out" policy to integrate with Asian countries, perhaps as a cure for its own economic debacle. However, Peacock laid the foundation to build bridges with Asian countries many years ago, when others were still making official trips to the West.

As the Opposition Leader, Peacock was the only Liberal Leader who came closest to defeating the Labor Party at a General Election in the past decade. The final election result was so narrow that it was the first time in Australian Federal Politics that the voters had to wait for three days after the election to find out the winner. The Labor Party won by the narrowest margin in its history, despite the fact that it was an early General Election called by Hawke during the peak period of popularity. The result sent shock waves throughout the Labor Camps. Peacock was acknowledged as the most effective political campaigner on either side.

As a loving and caring father, one of his daughters made the following statement a few years ago. "Since our childhood, our father took great care of us. If one of us were sick, he asked to telephone him whether he is in the Parliament or Cabinet meeting... After bringing taking care of us, he went back to work." A great father, an equally great daughter!

DON DISSANAYAKE

Surabaya, East Java