Malcolm Fraser

Well, of course, I met him too. In the ancient days of travellers’ cheques my role was to usher in the representative of the Commonwealth Bank and introduce him to the Prime Minister so he could sign the travellers’ cheques in his presence.

I expected a glimmer of recognition when my name was announced by his private secretary, but got none. His wife was also a Beggs (distant relation only).

His presence was imposing, and the young banker was overawed, and delayed putting the cheques in front of him for signing. I was in East Block, behind Parliament House some months earlier, and heard the crowds then responding to Gough Whitlam’s declaration that his notice of dismissal had been “countersigned Malcolm Fraser”. Some months before that, I had crossed Kings Hall in (the old) Parliament House just as Malcolm and Tammie appeared, after he had wrested the role of opposition leader from Billy Snedden.

Following the dismissal, Canberra was rife with “Shame, Fraser Shame” chanters and bumper-stickers. Now I was in front of the man himself, with a star-struck banker and nothing happening. “Well?” Mr Fraser said gruffly. With a nudge from me, the young fellow sputtered out “right” and put the cheques in front of the PM.

Although in power with a large majority, he didn’t often wield his power. Perhaps, like Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the way he got to power may have weighed on his mind. However, he did make a number of courageous decisions – particularly in human rights and decency. He allowed well over 100,000 Vietnamese boat people into Australia, adding to our cultural diversity and demonstrating our values (at the time).

He kept his values. As politics (both sides) moved to the right, he stayed still – until he eventually resigned from his Party. Some people are tribal for their group above all else: Malcolm Fraser demonstrated that he held to his values, over and above his political tribe. Some folks are down on the ‘swinging voter’, but voting for ideas and principles is the more thoughtful way.

I followed him on Twitter – his contributions were always thoughtful, if a little more formal than the usual Twitter participant. He stood strongly for human rights, despite the personal cost. It’s only five months since his great protagonist, Gough Whitlam, died. It’s telling that they became firm friends. Both were willing to take part in the contest of ideas – rather than the trading of slogans.

He kept his wits right to the end; and was still offering considered thoughtful contributions to national and international debate.

Vale Malcolm Fraser.