Malcolm Fraser

Malcolm Fraser is one of the most interesting and possibly most misunderstood of Australia's Prime Ministers. In this part memoir and part authorised biography, Fraser at the age of 79 years talks about his time in public life. From the Vietnam War to the Dismissal and his years as Prime Minister, through to his concern in recent times for breaches in the Rule of Law and harsh treatment of refugees, Fraser emerges as an enduring liberal, constantly reinterpreting core values to meet the needs of changing times.

Written in collaboration with journalist Margaret Simons, Malcolm Fraser's political memoirs trace the story of a shy boy who was raised to be seen and not heard, yet grew to become one of the most persistent, insistent and controversial political voices of our times.

The book offers insight into Malcolm Fraser's substantial achievements. He was the first Australian politician to describe Australia's future as multicultural, and his federal government was the first to pass Aboriginal Land Rights and Freedom of Information legislation, also establishing the Human Rights Commission.

After his parliamentary career, Fraser continued to be an important player in public life, playing a key role in persuading the USA Congress to impose sanctions on South Africa as part of the battle against apartheid. He was also the founding chair of CARE Australia, one of our largest aid agencies.

About the Author

Malcolm Fraser served as Australia's 22nd Prime Minister from 1975 until he resigned from federal politics in 1983 after 28 years as the Federal Member for Wannon. He held several ministries during his time in Parliament, including Minister for the Army, Minister of State for Defence and Minister for Education and Science. Since leaving government Mr Fraser has played a distinguished role in international relations. He was Co-chairman of the Commonwealth Committee of Eminent Persons in 1986, formed to encourage reform in South Africa. He served as Chairman of CARE Australia from 1987 until 2001, and President of CARE International from 1990 to 1995. He was a foundation Board Member of the International Crisis Group from 1996 to 2000 and has served as a Senior Advisor there since. In 2011 he became a member of the AsiauPacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament. Malcolm Fraser passed away at 84, in the morning of March 20th, 2015.