Who is Drew Peacock?

Andrew John "Drew" Peacock AO GCL (*1 November 1938 – 17 April 2021) was an Australian politician. He served as Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia from 1983 to 1985, and as Minister for External Affairs (Foreign Minister) in 1982–1983 and 1984.

Drew was born in Melbourne and educated at Geelong Grammar School and Melbourne University. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria in 1963 and practised law before entering politics.

He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives at the 1966 election, representing the Division of Kooyong in Melbourne. He served as Minister for the Army from 1971 to 1972, Minister for the Environment and Conservation from 1972 to 1975 and Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1982 to 1983.

Peacock became Leader of the Liberal Party in 1983, following the resignation of Malcolm Fraser. He led the party to defeat at the 1983 and 1984 federal elections, before resigning as leader in 1985.

Peacock retired from politics in 1994. He died in 2021, at the age of 82.

Peacock was a well-respected politician and diplomat. He was known for his strong leadership, his commitment to public service and his dedication to the Australian people.