Australians All founding group member Peter Andren died on Saturday 3 November, aged sixty-one. He was elected to the House of Representatives as independent member for Calare in 1996 and was a courageous political fighter for services to the bush, the just and humane treatment of asylum seekers and against the war in Iraq. We mourn his passing.
“The death of Peter Andren is a sad and tragic loss for the parliament and all Australia. He stood by his principles and he stood by his electorate well. He had high hopes of running for the Senate and with his influence it would have been profound. We are all saddened by his death and offer heartfelt condolences to all his family.” Malcolm Fraser
About Peter Andren
Peter Andren, MP was the Federal Member of Parliament for Calare in central NSW from 1996, one of three Independent Members in the House of Representatives.
He previously spent thirty years in radio and television broadcasting and three years teaching. He was a graduate of Alexander Mackie Teachers College and Macquarie University.
After entering parliament Peter led the debate on parliamentary reforms including public accountability and MPs entitlements. He challenged the government’s policies on asylum seekers, especially during the Tampa crisis, as well as questioning Australia’s involvement in Iraq.
Peter used the forum of parliament to advocate matters of human and civil rights including Native Title, abolition of mandatory sentencing and protection of the freedom of speech.
He died on 3 November 2007 after being diagnosed earlier in the year with inoperable pancreatic cancer. He was 61.
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