A portrait of The Right Hon (John) Malcolm Fraser AC CH (OM 1948) was recently unveiled at Melbourne Grammar School.
The late Mr Fraser was the 22nd Prime Minister of Australia, an office he held from 1975 -1983. His portrait joins existing memorials to other Old Melburnian Prime Ministers – The Hon Alfred Deakin (OM 1871) – Prime Minister during three periods between 1903 -1910 and Stanley Melbourne Bruce CH MC (OM 1901) – Prime Minister from 1922-1929.
“We have many esteemed Old Melburnians but, arguably, none more so than our three former Prime Ministers,” says Mr Roy Kelley, Headmaster. “It is fitting that we honour their memory and recognise the contribution that each of them made to the Australia we know today.”
Taking office at a time of great political controversy, Mr Fraser became well respected by all sides of politics for his advocacy of the importance of moral considerations in public policy.
As Prime Minister, Mr Fraser oversaw the establishment of the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Court of Australia. His government enacted the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act and declared the Great Barrier Reef a Marine Park. Mr Fraser earned international praise for his fierce opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime and the promotion of multi-culturalism within Australia, which included his government’s establishment of the SBS television network.
A recognised humanitarian, Mr Fraser subsequently held numerous roles in the United Nations. He was Chairman of CARE Australia for 14 years and President of CARE International.
“I was delighted to welcome Mr Fraser’s wife, Mrs Tamie Fraser, and three of their grandchildren to the School to view the portrait,” added Mr Kelley. “Mr Fraser made an indelible mark on the fabric of our society. I am pleased that we have established this permanent reminder of the substantial impact he made during his lifetime.”
The photograph was selected by Mrs Tamie Fraser from the family collection as one of her favourites of her husband.
