Press release – 19 March, 2015Sydney, Friday 20 March: Greenpeace Australia Pacific today honours Malcolm Fraser, Australia’s 22nd Prime Minister."Malcolm Fraser was a powerful advocate for a more humane and independent Australia." said Greenpeace CEO David Ritter. "We celebrate his achievements as Australia’s Prime Minister, in particular his protection of the Great Barrier Reef."
In June 1979, the Fraser government prohibited exploration and drilling for petroleum on the Great Barrier Reef and, in October, declared the Capricornia section of the Reef the first stage of a protected Great Barrier Reef marine park. [1]
"We thank him for his vision and love of Australia’s incredible natural heritage," said Mr Ritter.
"I’m personally very grateful to Mr Fraser for being generous with his time and advice," he said.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Tamie, and their children and grandchildren."
[1] National Archives of Australia, ‘Australia’s Prime Ministers – Malcolm Fraser’
http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/primeministers/fraser/in-office.aspx
For more information or interviews contact Elsa Evers. 0438 204 041.
Today Australia farewells a pioneer of Great Barrier Reef protection and inspiring human rights advocate
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Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Greenpeace is an independent campaigning organisation that uses non-violent direct action to expose global environmental problems.