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Malcolm Fraser farewelled at state funeral – rolling coverage Malcolm Fraser farewelled at state funeral – rolling coverage
(35 minutes later)
1.10pm AEST02:10
Malcolm Fraser's state service: in summary
The funeral procession is making its way from the church for a private service. Let’s sum up the main points of the official farewell to Australia’s 22nd prime minister Malcolm Fraser.
Quite.
I suspect we can all be well pleased with the send off. Thank you for your company for today’s live coverage.
Malcolm Fraser, thank you for your public service, rest in peace.
12.53pm AEST01:5312.53pm AEST01:53
Apparently this tune is Lord Lovett’s Lament.Apparently this tune is Lord Lovett’s Lament.
12.50pm AEST01:5012.50pm AEST01:50
A substantial crowd has gathered outside Scots’ Chruch to provide a guard of honour for the funeral procession. A piper is leading the procession.A substantial crowd has gathered outside Scots’ Chruch to provide a guard of honour for the funeral procession. A piper is leading the procession.
12.47pm AEST01:4712.47pm AEST01:47
12.45pm AEST01:4512.45pm AEST01:45
Fraser’s casket is being carried down the aisle of the church, followed in procession by the Fraser family and other mourners.Fraser’s casket is being carried down the aisle of the church, followed in procession by the Fraser family and other mourners.
12.42pm AEST01:4212.42pm AEST01:42
‘The Day You Gave Us Lord has Ended’ is the next hymn. I’ll use that moment to share a few pictures from earlier this morning.‘The Day You Gave Us Lord has Ended’ is the next hymn. I’ll use that moment to share a few pictures from earlier this morning.
12.37pm AEST01:3712.37pm AEST01:37
Robertson has a closing mesage for the Fraser family.Robertson has a closing mesage for the Fraser family.
When you feel that depth of sorrow, perhaps even moments of despair, I want you to think about the parable of The Good Samaritan from an entirely different angle.When you feel that depth of sorrow, perhaps even moments of despair, I want you to think about the parable of The Good Samaritan from an entirely different angle.
This time, you are the one suffering. The ones who are emotionally bruised and battered by the sudden and unexpected loss of your husband, your father, your grandfather. Just as the man in the parable was set upon by robbers and suffered sudden and unexpected loss, in this reading of the parable, God himself is the Good Samaritan who comes to you.This time, you are the one suffering. The ones who are emotionally bruised and battered by the sudden and unexpected loss of your husband, your father, your grandfather. Just as the man in the parable was set upon by robbers and suffered sudden and unexpected loss, in this reading of the parable, God himself is the Good Samaritan who comes to you.
This parable teaches us that God would not walk by on the other side.This parable teaches us that God would not walk by on the other side.
He hates human suffering, too.He hates human suffering, too.
12.34pm AEST01:3412.34pm AEST01:34
There is also a time to love.There is also a time to love.
Robertson:Robertson:
We keep our church open to the public every day and we placed a condolence book at our entrance for Malcolm just a few days ago.We keep our church open to the public every day and we placed a condolence book at our entrance for Malcolm just a few days ago.
One of the first entries in that book is from a couple who travelled up from Geelong just to record their gratitude to Malcolm Fraser for his practical compassion. On three separate occasions across ten years from the late 1960s to the late 1970s, Malcolm helped them very personally. He helped the Vietnamese wife through the sometimes harrowing process of applying for an entry visa to come to Australia. He helped the husband on his return from active service in the Vietnam War, and he helped locate the wife’s parents who they thought had been lost at sea on a refugee voyage from Vietnam.One of the first entries in that book is from a couple who travelled up from Geelong just to record their gratitude to Malcolm Fraser for his practical compassion. On three separate occasions across ten years from the late 1960s to the late 1970s, Malcolm helped them very personally. He helped the Vietnamese wife through the sometimes harrowing process of applying for an entry visa to come to Australia. He helped the husband on his return from active service in the Vietnam War, and he helped locate the wife’s parents who they thought had been lost at sea on a refugee voyage from Vietnam.
Such are the Good Samaritan qualities that have underpinned his life and I have to say wasn’t it great to see so many representatives of the Vietnamese community outside.Such are the Good Samaritan qualities that have underpinned his life and I have to say wasn’t it great to see so many representatives of the Vietnamese community outside.
Updated at 12.37pm AESTUpdated at 12.37pm AEST
12.32pm AEST01:3212.32pm AEST01:32
Yes, there is a time to hateYes, there is a time to hate
A tough message here that Fraser would have approved of.A tough message here that Fraser would have approved of.
Rev. Douglas Roberston:Rev. Douglas Roberston:
When we were discussing choices of readings for this service with the family, the reading from Ecclesiastes was suggested, but doubts were raised about it and we very nearly rejected it because to be honest, there are some parts of it that grate when you hear them, especially at a funeral when we want to focus on the very best of the husband, the father, the grandfather who has passed away.When we were discussing choices of readings for this service with the family, the reading from Ecclesiastes was suggested, but doubts were raised about it and we very nearly rejected it because to be honest, there are some parts of it that grate when you hear them, especially at a funeral when we want to focus on the very best of the husband, the father, the grandfather who has passed away.
We don’t really want to think about something like a time to hate, but as we spoke about it we came to realise that there surely is, there surely must be a time to hate.We don’t really want to think about something like a time to hate, but as we spoke about it we came to realise that there surely is, there surely must be a time to hate.
A time to hate injustice. A time to hate racial inequality. A time to hate political oppression. A time to hate poverty. A time to hate all manner of suffering and especially the suffering that is repeatedly inflicted by man’s inhumanity to man, which is the root cause of the vast majority of people’s displacement around the world, a subject so close to Malcolm’s heart.A time to hate injustice. A time to hate racial inequality. A time to hate political oppression. A time to hate poverty. A time to hate all manner of suffering and especially the suffering that is repeatedly inflicted by man’s inhumanity to man, which is the root cause of the vast majority of people’s displacement around the world, a subject so close to Malcolm’s heart.
And yes, there is even a time to hate the hypocrisy of religious and other community leaders who talk the right words, but walk by on the other side while the suffering continues.And yes, there is even a time to hate the hypocrisy of religious and other community leaders who talk the right words, but walk by on the other side while the suffering continues.
12.28pm AEST01:2812.28pm AEST01:28
Rev. Douglas Robertson is speaking now.Rev. Douglas Robertson is speaking now.
On behalf of the Fraser family, I know that they want to express their gratitude for all of your condolences that they have received in this last week.On behalf of the Fraser family, I know that they want to express their gratitude for all of your condolences that they have received in this last week.
It’s been a very difficult week for them, but they have been comforted by the many gracious things that have been said both publicly and privately about Malcolm.It’s been a very difficult week for them, but they have been comforted by the many gracious things that have been said both publicly and privately about Malcolm.
I had the immense privilege of meeting Malcolm Fraser on several occasions of the last few years, mostly through our mutual love of all things tartan and haggis, and of our membership of the organisation of the Melbourne Scots.I had the immense privilege of meeting Malcolm Fraser on several occasions of the last few years, mostly through our mutual love of all things tartan and haggis, and of our membership of the organisation of the Melbourne Scots.
12.25pm AEST01:2512.25pm AEST01:25
The next hymn is – ‘Lead us Heavenly Father, Lead Us’.The next hymn is – ‘Lead us Heavenly Father, Lead Us’.
Updated at 12.25pm AESTUpdated at 12.25pm AEST
12.24pm AEST01:2412.24pm AEST01:24
Rachel rounds out her contribution on this note.Rachel rounds out her contribution on this note.
Grandad lived an incredible life and what he accomplished professionally is unprecedented. What I learnt from grandad over the years has been invaluable and most importantly, he was a caring, loving grandad who was always there when you needed him.Grandad lived an incredible life and what he accomplished professionally is unprecedented. What I learnt from grandad over the years has been invaluable and most importantly, he was a caring, loving grandad who was always there when you needed him.
I am so proud that I had the privilege of being part of his life as he was also a huge part of mine and I’m extremely lucky for that.I am so proud that I had the privilege of being part of his life as he was also a huge part of mine and I’m extremely lucky for that.
It is devastating to say goodbye, but I am proud that his legacy will live on. In the words of CS Lewis – there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.It is devastating to say goodbye, but I am proud that his legacy will live on. In the words of CS Lewis – there are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.
12.22pm AEST01:2212.22pm AEST01:22
The Bodyguard!The Bodyguard!
On healthy competition, Rachel again.On healthy competition, Rachel again.
Grandad had a way of embracing anything each of his children and grandchildren were passionate about, whether it was breeding horses, farming, health and fitness, singing, surfing, swimming, teaching or public relations.Grandad had a way of embracing anything each of his children and grandchildren were passionate about, whether it was breeding horses, farming, health and fitness, singing, surfing, swimming, teaching or public relations.
Grandad loved to watch all the grandchildren play tennis and he would sit on the sidelines all day not wanting to move until we were finished.Grandad loved to watch all the grandchildren play tennis and he would sit on the sidelines all day not wanting to move until we were finished.
He was a competitive beast, always encouraging healthy competition, which made our matches quite entertaining.He was a competitive beast, always encouraging healthy competition, which made our matches quite entertaining.
And true confessions.And true confessions.
Grandad’s favourite film was ‘The Bodyguard’ because of Whitney Houston and every time I stayed with him he would ask granny and I if we wanted to watch it, as if we had never seen it before.Grandad’s favourite film was ‘The Bodyguard’ because of Whitney Houston and every time I stayed with him he would ask granny and I if we wanted to watch it, as if we had never seen it before.
We played along, because we knew how much he loved it.We played along, because we knew how much he loved it.
12.20pm AEST01:2012.20pm AEST01:20
Fraser’s two other children make contributions now to the service. Daughter Phoebe quotes from Roosevelt. Grand daughter Rachel says Fraser was a joker, and a person who ate ice cream out of tubs at the dinner table.Fraser’s two other children make contributions now to the service. Daughter Phoebe quotes from Roosevelt. Grand daughter Rachel says Fraser was a joker, and a person who ate ice cream out of tubs at the dinner table.
On Fraser’s digital enthusiasms.On Fraser’s digital enthusiasms.
A few years ago, grandad was intrigued as to why all his grandchildren were taking photos and constantly checking their phones.A few years ago, grandad was intrigued as to why all his grandchildren were taking photos and constantly checking their phones.
After a few long conversations about both Twitter and Facebook – at the age of 81, grandad seemed to have his accounts up and running in no time and became more active than all of us put together.After a few long conversations about both Twitter and Facebook – at the age of 81, grandad seemed to have his accounts up and running in no time and became more active than all of us put together.
I still remember the cheeky grin on his face when he said “I’ve got 20,000 followers, how many do you have, Rach?”I still remember the cheeky grin on his face when he said “I’ve got 20,000 followers, how many do you have, Rach?”
12.15pm AEST01:1512.15pm AEST01:15
In Canberra, the flag is at half mast.In Canberra, the flag is at half mast.
12.13pm AEST01:1312.13pm AEST01:13
After that somewhat uncompromising send off, the next hymn is the Lord is my Shepherd.After that somewhat uncompromising send off, the next hymn is the Lord is my Shepherd.
12.12pm AEST01:1212.12pm AEST01:12
Nixon lists the achievements of the Fraser government over three terms. Then, in wrapping up the sum of the parts, he suggests Liberals don’t hate the way people in the Labor party hate.Nixon lists the achievements of the Fraser government over three terms. Then, in wrapping up the sum of the parts, he suggests Liberals don’t hate the way people in the Labor party hate.
I had my differences with him. We were at opposite sides in the republic debate and had vigorous arguments about that proposal. I argued in favour of the new terrorist laws introduced by John Howard, having been in England when the terrorist bombing occurred, and I argued with him about leaving the Liberal party.I had my differences with him. We were at opposite sides in the republic debate and had vigorous arguments about that proposal. I argued in favour of the new terrorist laws introduced by John Howard, having been in England when the terrorist bombing occurred, and I argued with him about leaving the Liberal party.
However such was the man and his achievements that none of our differences could compromise the respect and friendship which I feel for him. The word ‘hate’ is often bandied about in the heat of political passion. In fact, Clyde Cameron – a tough but well-respected Labor member – once pointed out to me the infinitely greater capacity of the Labor party to hate externally and internally than our side of politics.However such was the man and his achievements that none of our differences could compromise the respect and friendship which I feel for him. The word ‘hate’ is often bandied about in the heat of political passion. In fact, Clyde Cameron – a tough but well-respected Labor member – once pointed out to me the infinitely greater capacity of the Labor party to hate externally and internally than our side of politics.
Malcolm was subject to much hatred during his political career because of the unique events which some, I believe incorrectly say defined his career.Malcolm was subject to much hatred during his political career because of the unique events which some, I believe incorrectly say defined his career.
The only source of hatred for Malcolm was policy issues, not people. The fact that Gough and Malcolm, who were the leaders in the toughest political contest in the nation’s history came to respect and like each other, demonstrates what big men they were.The only source of hatred for Malcolm was policy issues, not people. The fact that Gough and Malcolm, who were the leaders in the toughest political contest in the nation’s history came to respect and like each other, demonstrates what big men they were.
Updated at 12.13pm AESTUpdated at 12.13pm AEST
12.08pm AEST01:0812.08pm AEST01:08
On the transition from opposition to power, Nixon says it was proper cabinet government.On the transition from opposition to power, Nixon says it was proper cabinet government.
He did not, as has been said, always get his own way. If a Cabinet decision went against him, he simply moved onto the next business. He was well briefed on every submission and he expected his Cabinet ministers to be the same.He did not, as has been said, always get his own way. If a Cabinet decision went against him, he simply moved onto the next business. He was well briefed on every submission and he expected his Cabinet ministers to be the same.
12.05pm AEST01:0512.05pm AEST01:05
Illegitimacy? Nonsense.Illegitimacy? Nonsense.
Nixon characterises the dismissal period thus.Nixon characterises the dismissal period thus.
With Gough refusing to call an election and with the government soon to be unable to pay its bills, Sir John Kerr had no option but to remove Gough’s commission and have Malcolm call an election so the people of Australia could decide the issue.With Gough refusing to call an election and with the government soon to be unable to pay its bills, Sir John Kerr had no option but to remove Gough’s commission and have Malcolm call an election so the people of Australia could decide the issue.
It was as simple as that.It was as simple as that.
So we were sworn in as a caretaker government with strict instructions from Sir John Kerr and Malcolm. The election campaign was as noisy and bitter as any I went through in 23 years.So we were sworn in as a caretaker government with strict instructions from Sir John Kerr and Malcolm. The election campaign was as noisy and bitter as any I went through in 23 years.
Malcolm came under a huge personal attack. The pressure on him every minute of every day was immense.Malcolm came under a huge personal attack. The pressure on him every minute of every day was immense.
He showed enormous courage and strength, never once displaying weakness. And it’s history now that the people of Australia elected him as Prime Minister with the largest majority in the nation’s history.He showed enormous courage and strength, never once displaying weakness. And it’s history now that the people of Australia elected him as Prime Minister with the largest majority in the nation’s history.
It has been said that Malcolm’s government had a touch of illegitimacy because of the way it came to office. I consider that point of view to be a nonsense.It has been said that Malcolm’s government had a touch of illegitimacy because of the way it came to office. I consider that point of view to be a nonsense.
His actions were quite constitutional and received the endorsement and confidence of the Australian people.His actions were quite constitutional and received the endorsement and confidence of the Australian people.
None of us in government gave it any further thought.None of us in government gave it any further thought.
12.01pm AEST01:0112.01pm AEST01:01
A classic big man duelA classic big man duel
Nixon is now on the lead up to 1975. He doesn’t mince words. No diplomatic niceities here.Nixon is now on the lead up to 1975. He doesn’t mince words. No diplomatic niceities here.
It was clear Billy Sneddon, delightful bloke that he was, could not lay a glove on Gough. The country was going to the dogs and the opposition had to get into shape.It was clear Billy Sneddon, delightful bloke that he was, could not lay a glove on Gough. The country was going to the dogs and the opposition had to get into shape.
Nxon says there had to be leadership change, from Sneddon to Fraser.Nxon says there had to be leadership change, from Sneddon to Fraser.
It took time but eventually the change occurred. Immediately, morale lifted. Malcolm rallied the troops and the attacks on the failures of the Whitlam government began to make progress. Malcolm also toured the country, making headland speeches that demonstrated the broad range of interest and real leadership qualities.It took time but eventually the change occurred. Immediately, morale lifted. Malcolm rallied the troops and the attacks on the failures of the Whitlam government began to make progress. Malcolm also toured the country, making headland speeches that demonstrated the broad range of interest and real leadership qualities.
The government was in turmoil with ministers being sacked and the budget out of control. Finally, when Rex Connor misled the parliament by not ending his relationship with a Pakistani $4bn mystery man, Khemlani – Malcolm showed his leadership skills. Having determined that the people of Australia deserved to have a say, we deferred the passing of supply until an election was called.The government was in turmoil with ministers being sacked and the budget out of control. Finally, when Rex Connor misled the parliament by not ending his relationship with a Pakistani $4bn mystery man, Khemlani – Malcolm showed his leadership skills. Having determined that the people of Australia deserved to have a say, we deferred the passing of supply until an election was called.
This brought on the classic big-man duel.This brought on the classic big-man duel.
Both Gough and Whitlam were political giants and both believed that they had right on their side. In the face of huge media stories printed day after day, Malcolm did a superb job holding the party members together.Both Gough and Whitlam were political giants and both believed that they had right on their side. In the face of huge media stories printed day after day, Malcolm did a superb job holding the party members together.
11.57am AEST00:5711.57am AEST00:57
Russian pool and potent martinisRussian pool and potent martinis
Peter Nixon – transport minister in the Fraser government – is delivering the eulogy.Peter Nixon – transport minister in the Fraser government – is delivering the eulogy.
We both entered the ministry under Harold Holt and from then on our lives were closer. From the start, it was apparent to me that Malcolm was sure to succeed. His contributions were always thoughtful. It was clear he was bound up in his work.We both entered the ministry under Harold Holt and from then on our lives were closer. From the start, it was apparent to me that Malcolm was sure to succeed. His contributions were always thoughtful. It was clear he was bound up in his work.
He never joined Doug Anthony, Billy Sneddon and others when we played Russian pool against Clyde Cameron, Fred Daly and Jim Cope from the Labor party late on Thursday night – although he and Tamie frequently entertained backbenchers at their home in Canberra.He never joined Doug Anthony, Billy Sneddon and others when we played Russian pool against Clyde Cameron, Fred Daly and Jim Cope from the Labor party late on Thursday night – although he and Tamie frequently entertained backbenchers at their home in Canberra.
Everyone who attended would remember the compulsory potent martinis Malcolm served on arrival, always with a big grin on his face.Everyone who attended would remember the compulsory potent martinis Malcolm served on arrival, always with a big grin on his face.
11.51am AEST00:5111.51am AEST00:51
Son Mark reads from Luke, chapter ten. Grand daughter, Hester, is now playing the piano and singing a piece of her own composition.Son Mark reads from Luke, chapter ten. Grand daughter, Hester, is now playing the piano and singing a piece of her own composition.
The magnanimity of your ideas/Will never die/And that is why/We only say good-bye/Until we meet again ..The magnanimity of your ideas/Will never die/And that is why/We only say good-bye/Until we meet again ..
11.48am AEST00:4811.48am AEST00:48
A time for everythingA time for everything
Fraser’s daughter Angela shares the first reading.Fraser’s daughter Angela shares the first reading.
Ecclesiastes chapter three, verses one to eight.Ecclesiastes chapter three, verses one to eight.
A time for everything.A time for everything.
For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted.For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted.
Time to kill and a time to heal. A time to break down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.Time to kill and a time to heal. A time to break down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
11.44am AEST00:4411.44am AEST00:44
The first hymn in the service is, ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country.’ I confess to a modest amount of humming.The first hymn in the service is, ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country.’ I confess to a modest amount of humming.
11.43am AEST00:4311.43am AEST00:43
The service opens with a rousing rendition of the national anthem.The service opens with a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
Rev. Douglas Robertson, Senior Minister, Scots’ Church.Rev. Douglas Robertson, Senior Minister, Scots’ Church.
We’ve gathered here today to give thanks to God for the life of the Right Honourable John Malcolm Fraser. And as we do so we offer our respects to the Wurinndyiri people and the elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of this land.We’ve gathered here today to give thanks to God for the life of the Right Honourable John Malcolm Fraser. And as we do so we offer our respects to the Wurinndyiri people and the elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of this land.
In our service today we will rejoice in good memories of a long life well lived, a life devoted to his wife Tamie, to their children and grandchildren. A life committed to both public and private service.In our service today we will rejoice in good memories of a long life well lived, a life devoted to his wife Tamie, to their children and grandchildren. A life committed to both public and private service.
11.39am AEST00:3911.39am AEST00:39
Father of the House Philip Ruddock has been interviewed on his way into Scots’ Church. He’s repeated many of the observations he made in this week’s condolence debate about Fraser’s political legacy. Today, he’s paid tribute also to Fraser’s wife, Tamie.Father of the House Philip Ruddock has been interviewed on his way into Scots’ Church. He’s repeated many of the observations he made in this week’s condolence debate about Fraser’s political legacy. Today, he’s paid tribute also to Fraser’s wife, Tamie.
My own wife - and she’s been with me 40 years in this journey - remarks particularly on the way in which Tamie made spouses feel welcome.My own wife - and she’s been with me 40 years in this journey - remarks particularly on the way in which Tamie made spouses feel welcome.
Everybody takes a different view about how you do it and they all try but I think Tamie was particularly generous in her time, her effort and her understanding and I think one needs to thank her as much as you do Malcolm.Everybody takes a different view about how you do it and they all try but I think Tamie was particularly generous in her time, her effort and her understanding and I think one needs to thank her as much as you do Malcolm.
11.35am AEST00:3511.35am AEST00:35
Just a quick report from Ollie Milman once again.Just a quick report from Ollie Milman once again.
Moderate sized crowd outside Scot’s church in Melbourne for Malcolm Fraser’s funeral, many more inside the St Michaels church opposite to view coverage of the service. The Vietnamese community easily make up half of the people here, as journalists and men in suits with earpieces focus on the dignitaries arriving. One onlooker, who didn’t want to give her name, says she could never have ever imagined paying her respects until recently. “I certainly wasn’t a fan after the dismissal, God no. But he grew in stature. I don’t know who else there is like him anymore.”Moderate sized crowd outside Scot’s church in Melbourne for Malcolm Fraser’s funeral, many more inside the St Michaels church opposite to view coverage of the service. The Vietnamese community easily make up half of the people here, as journalists and men in suits with earpieces focus on the dignitaries arriving. One onlooker, who didn’t want to give her name, says she could never have ever imagined paying her respects until recently. “I certainly wasn’t a fan after the dismissal, God no. But he grew in stature. I don’t know who else there is like him anymore.”
11.30am AEST00:3011.30am AEST00:30
Australia's Vietnamese community have turned out to farewell their 'father' Malcolm Fraser. http://t.co/7wHUleJkHT pic.twitter.com/VZZEgQJVL7Australia's Vietnamese community have turned out to farewell their 'father' Malcolm Fraser. http://t.co/7wHUleJkHT pic.twitter.com/VZZEgQJVL7
11.29am AEST00:2911.29am AEST00:29
For readers who may not be aware, one of Fraser’s significant legacies was his decision to welcome people displaced by the Vietnam war.For readers who may not be aware, one of Fraser’s significant legacies was his decision to welcome people displaced by the Vietnam war.
11.26am AEST00:2611.26am AEST00:26
My colleague Oliver Milman is outside Scots’ Church. He’s spoken to Phong Ngyuen, general secretary of the Vietnamese community in Australia.My colleague Oliver Milman is outside Scots’ Church. He’s spoken to Phong Ngyuen, general secretary of the Vietnamese community in Australia.
It’s a very sad day for me personally and also the Vietnamese community in Australia. Malcolm Fraser is like a father to all of us, he saved us and took us in and look at where we are now.It’s a very sad day for me personally and also the Vietnamese community in Australia. Malcolm Fraser is like a father to all of us, he saved us and took us in and look at where we are now.
He saw it as a moral obligation to take us in when others were prepared to wash their hands of us. His moral integrity shone through.He saw it as a moral obligation to take us in when others were prepared to wash their hands of us. His moral integrity shone through.
He said to me on the phone ‘I’m glad you’ve been a success here otherwise my decision wouldn’t have looked right.’ It came after the white australia policy and allowed us to build the multicultural society we have today.He said to me on the phone ‘I’m glad you’ve been a success here otherwise my decision wouldn’t have looked right.’ It came after the white australia policy and allowed us to build the multicultural society we have today.
11.22am AEST00:2211.22am AEST00:22
ABC reporter Greg Jennett is speaking to a former Liberal party leader, Brendan Nelson, outside the church.ABC reporter Greg Jennett is speaking to a former Liberal party leader, Brendan Nelson, outside the church.
Q: Did (Fraser) make approaches during your tenure in office to chide you, correct you, advise you?Q: Did (Fraser) make approaches during your tenure in office to chide you, correct you, advise you?
Brendan Nelson:Brendan Nelson:
He certainly did. Firstly, I reached out to him and I remember having a very remarkable meeting with him in the early tenure of my leadership after we had lost office in 2007.He certainly did. Firstly, I reached out to him and I remember having a very remarkable meeting with him in the early tenure of my leadership after we had lost office in 2007.
I asked his counsel on a number of issues. We spoke at length, for example, about the parliamentary apology to forcibly remove Indigenous children – and I told him that if I was going to make decisions which I thought would be something about which he would be concerned, we would have a discussion before I did anything publicly.I asked his counsel on a number of issues. We spoke at length, for example, about the parliamentary apology to forcibly remove Indigenous children – and I told him that if I was going to make decisions which I thought would be something about which he would be concerned, we would have a discussion before I did anything publicly.
Q: How would you say that shaped later pronouncements that you were to make as leader or decisions your party was to take?Q: How would you say that shaped later pronouncements that you were to make as leader or decisions your party was to take?
I wanted him to understand that so long as I had the privilege to lead the party that the views of all the party members would certainly be respected – but particularly someone of his stature and respect and importance – so I think that has also been the case for others.I wanted him to understand that so long as I had the privilege to lead the party that the views of all the party members would certainly be respected – but particularly someone of his stature and respect and importance – so I think that has also been the case for others.
Everyone is different and Malcolm Fraser chose to offer public advice – more so than some former leaders.Everyone is different and Malcolm Fraser chose to offer public advice – more so than some former leaders.
11.18am AEST00:1811.18am AEST00:18
Christopher Pyne is here too pic.twitter.com/XJzj0zq4oXChristopher Pyne is here too pic.twitter.com/XJzj0zq4oX
11.16am AEST00:1611.16am AEST00:16
A number of political figures, past and present, are filing into Scots’ Church now. Former Labor prime ministers Paul Keating and Julia Gillard – the foreign minister Julie Bishop.A number of political figures, past and present, are filing into Scots’ Church now. Former Labor prime ministers Paul Keating and Julia Gillard – the foreign minister Julie Bishop.
Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives at the state funeral for The Right Hon Malcolm Fraser @channeltennews pic.twitter.com/BD0STqpGVnFormer Prime Minister Julia Gillard arrives at the state funeral for The Right Hon Malcolm Fraser @channeltennews pic.twitter.com/BD0STqpGVn
All calm on the arrivals front thus far. There was controversy at the Whitlam service in Sydney about members of the public booing some of the arrivals. Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser buried the hatchet about 1975, but lots of fired up folks loyally maintained the rage.All calm on the arrivals front thus far. There was controversy at the Whitlam service in Sydney about members of the public booing some of the arrivals. Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser buried the hatchet about 1975, but lots of fired up folks loyally maintained the rage.
10.56am AEST23:5610.56am AEST23:56
Good morning and welcome to today’s live coverage of Malcolm Fraser’s state funeral today in Melbourne. Fraser, Australia’s 22nd prime minister, died last week after a short illness, aged 84.Good morning and welcome to today’s live coverage of Malcolm Fraser’s state funeral today in Melbourne. Fraser, Australia’s 22nd prime minister, died last week after a short illness, aged 84.
Australian politics has alreday said farewell to Fraser in a condolence debate on Monday.Australian politics has alreday said farewell to Fraser in a condolence debate on Monday.
Today’s funeral service is for the Fraser family, and for the public. A number of excellent pieces have been written examining Malcolm Fraser’s complex legacy as prime minister, and his public contribuion beyond The Lodge. If you’d like to review the reflections of colleagues, friends and experts, you can find the work we have published at Guardian Australia here.Today’s funeral service is for the Fraser family, and for the public. A number of excellent pieces have been written examining Malcolm Fraser’s complex legacy as prime minister, and his public contribuion beyond The Lodge. If you’d like to review the reflections of colleagues, friends and experts, you can find the work we have published at Guardian Australia here.
Malcolm Fraser was Australia’s last pre-globalisation prime minister. His prime ministership lived in the shadow of the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975 – notwithstanding the fact Fraser went on to secure a comprehensive electoral mandate through three successive election victories. He was a philosophical liberal, but a staunch conservative on economic policies, an opponent of deregulation – and he was was criticised by his colleagues for lacking reform zeal.Malcolm Fraser was Australia’s last pre-globalisation prime minister. His prime ministership lived in the shadow of the dismissal of the Whitlam government in 1975 – notwithstanding the fact Fraser went on to secure a comprehensive electoral mandate through three successive election victories. He was a philosophical liberal, but a staunch conservative on economic policies, an opponent of deregulation – and he was was criticised by his colleagues for lacking reform zeal.
But Fraser championed human rights, in Australia, and globally; and multiculturalism. In 1976 he established the family court of Australia and federal court of Australia; granted the Northern Territory self-government; passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act; created the position of federal ombudsman and established the ABC’s FM radio service. The next year, he established the National Aboriginal Conference and SBS. In 1979 the Fraser government established the Australian Refugee Advisory Council to advise it on the settlement of refugees – many of whom had been arriving as “boat people” from Vietnam since 1978.But Fraser championed human rights, in Australia, and globally; and multiculturalism. In 1976 he established the family court of Australia and federal court of Australia; granted the Northern Territory self-government; passed the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act; created the position of federal ombudsman and established the ABC’s FM radio service. The next year, he established the National Aboriginal Conference and SBS. In 1979 the Fraser government established the Australian Refugee Advisory Council to advise it on the settlement of refugees – many of whom had been arriving as “boat people” from Vietnam since 1978.
Fraser parted ways with the Liberal party after disagreements with John Howard’s policy direction. But this week, Tony Abbott went to some effort to build bridges between the Fraser legacy and the modern Liberal party.Fraser parted ways with the Liberal party after disagreements with John Howard’s policy direction. But this week, Tony Abbott went to some effort to build bridges between the Fraser legacy and the modern Liberal party.
Tony Abbott:Tony Abbott:
For most of his life, Malcolm Fraser was a classic representative of our party. He was conservative when he declared that the values and principles by which we live, the human relationships which guide us, and the values to which we aspire as Liberals will not change.For most of his life, Malcolm Fraser was a classic representative of our party. He was conservative when he declared that the values and principles by which we live, the human relationships which guide us, and the values to which we aspire as Liberals will not change.
He was Liberal when he stated that each man, from the street cleaner to the industrialist, has an equal right to a full and happy life, to go his own way unhampered as long as he does not harm our precious social fabric.He was Liberal when he stated that each man, from the street cleaner to the industrialist, has an equal right to a full and happy life, to go his own way unhampered as long as he does not harm our precious social fabric.
And he was above all an Australian patriot when he declared at his first pre-selection that I could not enter this fight if I did not love Australia.And he was above all an Australian patriot when he declared at his first pre-selection that I could not enter this fight if I did not love Australia.
I’ve opened the comments thread so readers can particpate in today’s farewell, and if so inclined you can find me on Twitter @murpharooI’ve opened the comments thread so readers can particpate in today’s farewell, and if so inclined you can find me on Twitter @murpharoo