ABC radio and TV presenter and investigative journalist Matt Peacock has died aged 72. He was the broadcaster’s foreign correspondent in London, Washington and New York and authored books including Killer Company, a history of the former Australian asbestos manufacturer James Hardie.

Quentin Dempster said on X:

“His 30 year exposure of asbestosis stands as a profound legacy, saving countless lives.”

Peacock was a staff elected ABC Board member, instrumental in establishing the ABC Alumni organisation, which advocated against budget cuts in 2020. He worked on radio programs AM, The World Today and PM, reporting on issues impacting Aboriginal and remote communities, politics, environment and science.

ABC chair Kim Williams said:

“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. 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.”