Former ABC journalist Matt Peacock, who had a decades-long career at the broadcaster, has died aged 72.
Peacock was a senior journalist who worked for a wide range of television and radio programs after joining the broadcaster as a cadet in 1973.
He was the chief political correspondent for current affairs radio in Canberra, as well as the broadcaster's foreign correspondent in London, Washington and New York.
Peacock was a staff elected ABC Board member from 2013 and he was instrumental in establishing the ABC Alumni organisation, which advocated against budget cuts in 2020.
Matt Peacock was instrumental in establishing the ABC Alumni organisation. (AAP Image: Joel Carrett)
He worked for radio programs AM, The World Today and PM, specialising in politics, environment and science.
ABC journalist Quentin Dempster said Peacock was a "great ABC radio and TV broadcaster and investigative journalist".
"Matt has died at Royal North Shore Hospital after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer," he said.
"His 30 year exposure of asbestosis stands as a profound legacy, saving countless lives."
He worked in regional Australia for seven years, reporting on issues impacting Aboriginal and remote communities.
ABC chair Kim Williams said the broadcaster is saddened by the loss of Peacock and his friendship will be missed.
"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," Mr Williams said in a statement.
"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."
Peacock with the actors of ABC mini-series Devil's Dust. (Susan Gordon-Brown)
Peacock authored several books, including Asbestos: Work as a Health Hazard and The Forgotten People — a History of Australia's South Sea Islanders.
He also wrote a book on the history of the former Australian asbestos manufacturer James Hardie, called Killer Company which was turned into the dramatic mini-series on ABC TV Devil's Dust.
Peacock was an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney.