MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES Big heart Elegant pen

A saltwater smile Wise with words Wild in the water Warm in the world Michael Gordon 14 August 1955 — 3 February 2018

COVER PHOTO: ALEX ELLINGHAUSEN • BACK COVER WORDS: THE HON. TED BAILLIEU Awards A service to celebrate the life of

1991 The Sunday Age 2003 Walkley Award, all media category, Journalist of the year. coverage of Indigenous Afairs. Michael Gordon 1998 Graham Perkin Australian 2006 Melbourne Press Club Quill Journalist of the Year, highly Awards, best feature in print. commended for a body of work. 2006 Graham Perkin Australian MC 1999 United Nations Association Media Journalist of the Year, Peace Prize, print category. for a series of reports on asylum seekers Jim Middleton being held on Nauru. 2000 United Nations Association Media Peace Prizes, print and promotion of 2007 United Nations Association Media WELCOME reconciliation categories, Peace Prize, promotion of reconciliation for a series of articles described by category (shared). Robyn Carter judges as “the closest thing to a 2007 Melbourne Press Club Quill masterpiece”. Awards, best columnist. SPEAKERS 2001 Queensland Premier’s Literary 2011 Walkley Book Award, fnalist, The Honourable Paul Keating Award, literary or media work for Bells: The Beach, The Surfers, The promoting public debate category, for Sarah Gordon and Scott Gordon Contest (Woolamai Publishing). Reconciliation: A Journey Sally Gordon and John Gordon (UNSW Press). 2011 United Nations Association Media Peace Prize, best print feature. Tony Trood and Di Purdue 2002 United Nations Association Media Peace Prize, promotion of reconciliation 2017 Walkley Award, most outstanding Simon Balderstone and Fergus Hunter category. contribution to journalism. Martin Flanagan Ali Mullaie Books Don Watson

BLESSING A Question of Leadership: Paul Keating One For All: The Story of the Hawthorn Political Fighter (UQP) 1993; updated as Football Club, with Harry Gordon Tim Costello Paul Keating: A Question of Leadership (Wilkinson Publishing) 2009. (UQP) 1993; updated as Paul Keating: MUSICIANS Bells: The Beach, The Surfers, True Believer (UQP), 1996 The Contest (Woolamai Publishing) Paul Kelly Reconciliation: A Journey 2011. Sam Lawrence (UNSW Press) 2001. Playing To Win: Inside Hawthorn’s Freeing Ali: The Human Face of the Journey to an 11th Premiership Pacifc Solution (UNSW Press) 2005. (Slattery Media Group) 2014. We thank you for coming today Layne Beachley: Beneath the Waves, and contributing to the love in the room. with Layne Beachley (Random House) 2008, second edition 2009. After the service refreshments will be served. We hope to share a drink and a hug with you all. MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

incredibly generous on the rare occasions He was a terrifc political correspon- TRIBUTES The Herald and The Sun reporters turned dent and led the paper most weekends ORDERED ALPHABETICALLY the tables on him. with agenda-setting news breaks. His In 1987 we fnally got to work together political analysis was frst-rate too. when Michael agreed to become the When I became editor of The Sunday US correspondent for The Herald in Age in 1992 my frst move was to make Melbourne. (Now defunct, its name lives Michael the paper’s deputy editor. on today as one half of the Herald Sun He brought tremendous rigour to the Bruce Guthrie masthead.) role, demanding the best of our journal- THE NEW DAILY It was an enormous decision for him ists and curbing the worst instincts of the The impeccable Michael Gordon: because it meant leaving The Age where editor. A journalist’s journalist remembered he’d further enhanced his reputation And it was that integrity that defned with a move to Canberra. Michael. Not only in journalism, but all He proved to be a brilliant foreign his personal and professional relation- N 1973, IN THE FIRST WEEKS OF HIS words and the search for truth. Michael correspondent, understanding that the ships. He was incapable of deceit. And he cadetship at The Age, Michael Gordon read the frst and last paragraphs of his best of them write for the entire paper, adhered to the highest of principles, no I was sitting in a journalism class at Mel- key pieces to his father pretty much up to not just page one. matter what. bourne’s RMIT when the lecturer decided the day Harry died just three years ago. Michael would routinely fle stories Former Sunday Age sports editor, to read out one of his A+ assignments. Michael was a determined fact- that led all sections — news, business, Geof Slattery, summed it up best when He probably shifted uncomfort- checker, something that comes through features, sport, entertainment. He did he said of Michael: “The link was integrity ably in his seat at the prospect. Humble in the scores of tributes that have fowed it with ease and grace, even though he and honesty and, in journalism, that rare throughout what would become a stellar since his death, particularly from the and his wife Robyn — a book publishing capacity to never let personal views get 45-year career, Michael was shy to the many politicians he reported on in executive who Michael worshipped — in the way of the facts; even in his cam- point of awkwardness back then. Canberra and beyond. became frst-time parents soon after his paigns for indigenous rights and the rights Sitting a couple of rows behind the He would almost always ring his posting to New York. of asylum seekers, his personal view was then 17-year-old that day, I could only sources back and check that he had it (A music lover, Michael also discov- only to ensure the story was continued, marvel at the maturity of his work. right before sending his copy. He’d check ered singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman and then let the story tell itself.” Astonishingly, I can still recall some of tone too. Was the story pitched correctly? in a bar, long before the record companies In 1994 The Australian’s Paul Kelly the phrases he used in the piece. It was no surprise that key players did. But that’s another story.) lured Michael away from executive I wasn’t the only student in that class on all sides of politics talked to him He got the chance to return to life, back to Canberra. I understood the that day who realised they’d have to up willingly. His sources were impeccable Melbourne and The Age when it launched decision, even if hurt me — and The their game if they were going to make because he treated them impeccably. a Sunday edition in 1989. Again, happily, Sunday Age — to lose him. it in the profession. It would not be the It explained why, less than a decade we found ourselves working together, he His departure ended a seven-year run last time Michael would inspire me or an into his career, Michael was the leading in Canberra as the paper’s frst political of working together rather than at rival audience with his work. industrial relations journalist in the correspondent, me in Melbourne as organisations. We never did again. It’s a Michael, who we lost on Saturday in country at a time when Bob Hawke was deputy editor. time I’ll treasure even more now. the waters of Phillip Island at just 62, on the rise and the union movement was Michael earned his entire frst month’s Michael would go on to earn his place was a natural from the get-go. This prob- at its peak. salary with a single master stroke: he at the very highest levels of Australian ably had more than a little to do with As an industrial reporter myself, somehow convinced then prime minister journalism, winning plaudits and being the son of legendary Melbourne I witnessed his excellence at close Bob Hawke and his deputy Paul Keating honours along the way. He deserved journalist and editor, Harry Gordon. quarters because in those days we shared to pose together for our launch issue, every single one of them. They shared a unique personal and the same digs at Carlton’s Trades Hall. despite the enmity between them. The When he retired just eight months professional bond built on a love of Michael bested us most days but was resultant page one was museum quality. ago, we dined with our wives at a mod-

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est restaurant in the Melbourne suburb Late in the night, he admitted to some for a morning surf. I remember noticing there to see my achievements and share where we both lived. We refected on nervousness at what lay ahead given a long time ago that, for some reason, the happy moments in life once I am free lives and careers that had been kind to us the state of our industry: Journalism I had inadvertently adopted some of and live in peace.” and looked to the future. was struggling and newspapers were in his mannerisms — mainly this kind of That paragraph just about fnishes me Michael and Robyn had become undoubted decline. precise slicing action when making of. grandparents for the frst time almost a We consoled ourselves by acknowl- a point. I’m not sure if I still do it. In At Harry’s funeral in 2015, Les Carlyon year ago, after their daughter Sarah had edging that the Class of ’73 had been more recent years, there was the honour and said the great man “could scold in print presented them with a grandson, named fortunate than most. The golden age of joy of working with him. It was poetry without being mean”. Just one of the after Harry. Their son Scott is an aid newspapers had allowed us to catch waves to add that texture to our relationship. many qualities he shared with his son. worker in Africa. that carried us all the way to the beach. I will always cherish the bylines we got It’s spooky to revisit Micky’s own eulogy Michael was a man in full that night, As a surfer, he liked that image. But as together. for his father — throughout much of it, he looking forward to more surfng, more good as the ride was, his wave still closed What a wonderfully talented and could be describing himself. Except he travel and, God forbid, more Hawthorn out too soon. well-rounded journalist he was. His wouldn’t talk about his own qualities like premierships. authoritative and infuential body of that, of course, because of the intense, work — books and stories spanning pol- utterly genuine humility. itics, refugees, reconciliation, surfng, At Micky’s farewell dinner when football and more — is unmatched and he left Fairfax after so many years, I Fergus Hunter will remain that way. bawled my eyes out. It was devastating FACEBOOK I saw that Imran Mohammed, a young to lose him as a colleague. Turns out that Rohingya refugee who has taught himself was just the practice round. It remains English on Manus, posted something last unfathomable to lose him completely. HE LAWN IS PICTURE PERFECT There was also generosity, wisdom, night about how much he appreciated I can picture him right now, Ray Bans at my parents’ house right now. compassion, integrity, versatility, sen- Micky: on, hands on hips, beaming as he talked TThat’s because Micky mowed it on sitivity, passion, humility, honesty, “This afternoon I was reading mes- about life. “Fergo,” he’d say when he Tuesday. And now he’s gone. respect, conviction, optimism, sincerity, sages I have received from Michael over picked up the phone. I cannot believe A man who devoted himself to warmth. A lot of people have used these time and they brought me to tears. Some we’ll never talk again. I cannot imagine being good and doing good was taken words about him and they are all 100% of his words to me ‘Thank you Imran. It the world without him. yesterday in a most unjust way. true. People don’t come better than was very special to spend some time with My heart aches for Robyn, Sarah, Unjust for him, a man in better Michael Gordon. That he was such a sig- you. I look forward to hearing about all Scott, Harry, the rest of his family and his shape than most people half his age nifcant part of so many lives says it all. the good things you do once this is over.’ I dearest friends. and nowhere near fnished with life. Seeing all the friends saying Micky spoke burst into tears as I knew he would not be Goodbye, beautiful man. It’s unjust for Robyn, Sarah, Scott, little to them on an almost daily basis under- Harry and the other family and friends lines that he lived for those around him. who were everything to him. And it’s Thanks to his 40-year friendship with unjust for the world, which desperately my father, Micky has been around my Mark Kenny needs more Michael Gordons, not fewer. entire life. Unsurprisingly, every memory THE AGE Decency coursed through Micky’s is warm and fuzzy. Noisy yum cha the veins. It twinkled in his eyes and day after a grand fnal; helping him with Fair, thorough and thoroughly decent, radiated from his easy smile. It imbued his ridiculous IT issues; planting trees Michael Gordon’s trick was no trick at all every word he uttered or bashed out down at “the block”; kicking the footy on a keyboard with those index fngers. in Hawthorn; feeling very comfortable RIVING THROUGH THE RURAL beaming smile of Michael Gordon among When he gave you a famous Gordon hug, with my decision to sleep in when he town of Cowes on Saturday morn- competitors limbering up for the annual decency enveloped you. and Scotty were heading of in the dark Ding, Russell Broadbent spotted the Phillip Island Penguin Swim Classic.

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Gordon was “in his element”, raring “There was no condemnation in too soon but what a remarkable legacy David Parkin also paid tribute to his to go. Broadbent had things to do but Michael Gordon,” agreed Broadbent, who he leaves behind, as did his wonderful friend, noting Gordon’s interviews for his knew he would be home in time for lunched with the Melbourne-based jour- father before him — both of them great updated history of the Hawks had helped Gordon’s post-race visit. “He always nalist at least once a month and always journalists and good and decent people,” him accept his sacking as Hawthorn came by afterwards.” got in a dinner or two during fortnights in Cassidy said. coach in 1980 had been good for the club. Except this time, he didn’t. The Canberra when Parliament was sitting. Australian Financial Review political Gordon hadn’t finched from the 62-year-old never made it back of the “I loved him, and I think he loved me, editor Laura Tingle said Gordon stayed truth. ‘‘He saw it as it was, it was the beach, sufering a fatal heart attack as he but then, I know Michael made many with stories because of their importance right thing for the club to do at the time,’’ neared the end of the swim. people feel that way,” Broadbent said. to real people. “Indigenous afairs and Parkin said. It was the last time Broadbent, a Gordon’s approach could have a refugees are not just highly emotive Parkin said he couldn’t get upset at federal Liberal MP, saw his close friend, profound impact upon the powerful, issues, but bloody difcult to cover. All Gordon and they even laughed together. a man he revered as a deep thinker, and and on those without any power at all the politics is difcult. Not playing to ‘‘He’d have it so well balanced and well lodestar of federal political reporting. like Mustafa Najib, a refugee from the prejudice is hard. And not many people presented, you could accept it.’’ Australia’s media and political 2001 Tampa crisis who was interviewed are covering them any more. Michael was Julia Gillard described Gordon as “a communities are reeling too from by Gordon in 2011. the exemplar of excellence in reporting thoroughly decent man whose approach “Micky’s” sudden death. “He invited me and my younger through his commitment to keeping the to journalism was to thoughtfully tell the It is a mark of the man that so many brother to his house. My brother was spotlight on these issues, when we would truth”. not only admired him professionally, interested in media and I told Michael, rather look away,” she said. Across the aisle, fgures like Jef but also loved him for his generosity, so he took us for a tour of The Age ofces It was a view echoed by Indigenous Kennett expressed grief, and Malcolm unshakeable civility, and the finer — that was the sort of love and support leaders like Marcia Langton, who Turnbull marked “one of the great qualities he discerned in them. and humanity that he always showed,” often discussed events with Gordon over gentlemen of the world of journalism”. In the 24 hours since the news Mr Najib said. cofee. “Gentle, wise, always calm, such a broke, past and present prime Across a profession known for its egos “Throughout all that time he was the great man, such a great writer and men- ministers, Indigenous leaders, refugee and rivalries, recognised names ofered journalist I trusted the most to get the tor. And to die swimming — he died doing advocates, premiers, sports stars — the accounts of something else: undiluted story right,” she said. what he loved ... but so young. Far too Hawthorn Football Club was virtually a respect. Then there was this account expressed soon,” Mr Turnbull said. part of him — and of course journalists, “Micky was driven by an enduring on Facebook by Rohingya refugee Imran Former Victorian premier Ted have rushed to express their grief, their sense of social justice, which went back Mohammad, who met Gordon during a Baillieu, who swum most weeks with sadness, their inexplicable loss. to his childhood when he met some of 2017 trip to Manus Island. Gordon at the Hawthorn pool, spoke of Gordon’s trick was no trick at all. It the cast of Jedda,” said long-time friend “It shattered my heart when I heard his admiration for his friend and their was simply in his nature to be fair and and now Sky News contributor, Jim the news of his death this afternoon,” the shared passion for ocean swimming. thorough. While he could dissect power Middleton. young refugee wrote. “He was wise with words, wild in the and expose its harshness, he was never “On a personal level, my daughter “I was reading messages I have pool and warm with the world,” Mr Bail- sensational, nor personal or vindictive. Ronni reminded me of his behaviour on received from Michael over time and they lieu said. In the shouty belligerent age, this was beach holidays. He would spend hours brought me to tears. Some of his words to A personal point. Many years ago, I a rarity. It meant that friends loved him, teaching all the kids, not just his own, me: ‘Thank you Imran. It was very special invited Micky to come on an ABC radio and even those who’d been the subject how to surf, how to relish the ocean, just to spend some time with you. I look for- footy panel to talk about one of his great of his criticism accepted the good faith of as he did. He was, said Ronni, simply ward to hearing about all the good things passions, the AFL. He politely declined, his judgments. family. you do once this is over.’ I burst into tears saying broadcasting wasn’t his thing. A As Paul Keating observed, Gordon “He was a child of the sea and there is as I knew he would not be there to see journalist not into self-promotion? That didn’t state the obvious nor hype things a small measure of consolation in the fact my achievements and share the happy was Michael Gordon right there. A man up, and always treated readers as intelli- that he died doing what he loved.” moments in life once I am free and live in for whom it was always the story, never gent beings, capable of drawing their own Insiders host Barrie Cassidy also knew peace.” the writer. conclusions. Gordon for decades. “He went away Former Hawthorn player and coach None will be more missed. 6 7 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

found time to discuss an idea—even in the celebrated foreign correspondent, the bedlam before deadline—and was for- Olympic writer and historian and editor Chip Le Grand ever looking to improve his writing. of the Melbourne newspaper, The Sun. THE AUSTRALIAN “There was no ostensible agenda; He wrote books about Paul Keating, Michael Gordon, political journalist admired by all he would approach everything from a Bells Beach and the Hawthorn Football humanitarian viewpoint,’’ Nicholson Club. He was immensely proud of the said. “I don’t think he made an enemy humanitarian work done by his son Scott AST NOVEMBER, JOURNALIST Gillard described Gordon as a anywhere. It is pretty cut-throat in one of the world’s poorest countries, Michael Gordon took his surf thoroughly decent man. “His approach in Canberra and he was a good friend to Sierra Leone. board to a Queensland beach to journalism was to thoughtfully L have, always.’’ Most mornings, Gordon could be near where his father Harry had lived out tell the truth,’’ she said. Tony Abbott Amid tributes from former prime min- found at a pool in Hawthorn, swimming his fnal days and paddled with family remembered him as one of Australia’s isters, political fgures and prominent laps with former Victorian premier Ted members beyond the break. There, in the finest political journalists. Malcolm journalists, Gordon was acknowledged Baillieu and other members of the “Lane gentle swell of the deep blue, he scattered Turnbull said Gordon was wise and calm. by Aboriginal leaders, former refugees, 4 Club.’’ his dad’s ashes. Bill Shorten said his “every word was Australia’s Tamil community and migrant Baillieu was due to meet Gordon for No one could have imagined that yielded with cause.’’ families who he befriended, helped and lunch this week. “He is just a fantastic Gordon, an admired and respected Gordon, a ft, non-smoking, experi- spoke for. bloke and a beautiful, beautiful writer,’’ political journalist for The Age, The enced ocean swimmer who died at the Beyond politics, Gordon was a passion- he told Media. “He loved to surf and open Australian and Melbourne’s The Herald age of 62, was indeed a journalist with a ate surfer, dedicated swimmer and water swimming. He was a guy with a salt newspapers, would follow his father so cause. He spent much of the latter stage much-loved father who recently became water smile; wise with words, wild in the soon. He died on Saturday in the waters of his career writing about refugees a grandfather to baby Harry, named after water, warm in the world.’’ of Phillip Island, competing in an ocean and subjecting to scrutiny Australia’s swim. of-shore processing and detention of The last two articles Gordon wrote asylum seekers. were interview pieces with former His indefatigable reporting led to him Warwick McFadyen prime ministers from opposite sides of being named 2005 Australian Journalist THE DAILY REVIEW Australia’s political divide. The subjects of the Year by the Melbourne Press Club. of those interviews, John Howard and Last year, after Gordon retired from The A tribute to Michael Gordon Julia Gillard, were among those who Age newspaper where he worked for 37 paid tribute to Gordon on the day of his of his 44 years in journalism, the Walkley HERE’S NO LEAST LIKELY. DEATH shoulder, but for others it seems on the unexpected death. Foundation honoured him with a lifetime comes for all. But what the brain horizon too far away to see, until it comes The twin stories, published to achievement award. The citation read in Tknows the heart cannot believe. on a clear morning, sun shining, warmth promote the McKinnon Prize for political part: Sometimes a life is taken out of your in the air, a blue sky above. It strikes and leadership, are a ftting epilogue to what “The overwhelming impression universe and all you can do is to wail, then it departs, leaving carnage in its Paul Keating described as the mountain Gordon left — with both his byline and No it cannot be, It’s not fair. You stand at wake. No one saw it coming this morning. of work that Gordon left behind. his presence — was of decency, integrity, ground zero from the blast of the news, It was the least likely act to take the stage. Rarely has a journalist navigated the fairness and balance. Even when he was the earth annihilated from the shock- And yet it did. nation’s treacherous political currents, working at the epicentre of infuence, he waves, stunned, bereft. Here I am. I know No more the sound of his voice, only over so long a career, while making so held himself outside the media pack.’’ others are here as well. lamentation and memories of a good few enemies. He is remembered less for Cartoonist Peter Nicholson worked Goodbye Michael Gordon, friend and man and fne journalist, one of the best the big stories he broke than the integrity, with Gordon at The Age and later at The former colleague. Michael died at the in the industry, winner of many awards consideration and humanity that shaped Australian, when Gordon was national beach on Saturday. He was too, too young including only last year the Walkley for his work and personal life. political editor. He said Gordon always to go. Some live with death is on their outstanding contribution to journalism.

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When I sent congratulations to him on Emily Dickinson, wrote: “Because I could loomed. There, he was a man possessed editorial control. Rather, he was being it, he said he was overwhelmed. The not stop for Death, / He kindly stopped for by words, by his craft and by a desire to endlessly thorough and fair, guessing regard and love with which he was held me; / The carriage held but just ourselves make a diference. and second-guessing his work, refning can be seen in the breadth and multitude / And Immortality. / We slowly drove, he I spent years eavesdropping on and rewriting. of responses to his passing, from prime knew no haste, / And I had put away / My Michael. He had two phone conversa- Journalism gave a lot to Michael, ministers to asylum seekers to Indigenous labor, and my leisure too, / For his civility.” tions at his desk over and over again. but it took a lot as well. The relentless communities to surfers to footballers to Thomas also wrote that death shall One was with the asylum seekers and anxiety to be scrupulously thorough former colleagues. have no dominion. But it does. I’m within refugees stranded on Manus and Nauru. and endlessly productive increased over The sudden, unexpected taking is the shadows of its walls now. In time I Their groundhog day became Michael’s. the course of each week as the Friday death’s cruelty of indiference. There is will step out of them, but in doing so my He patiently recorded their helplessness deadline loomed. But it was the fact that no time to prepare for last goodbyes, no heart tells me I will carry a part of that and indignity and by telling their stories he bled for his craft, and for the voiceless fnal words or touch. It is brutal. That one shadow with me, always. And I will carry over and over again, he helped many and dispossessed, that made his work so alive is now a ghost is to rend the heart. the memory of a friend and colleague, fnd dignity and agency while exposing matter. To keep saying there should have been one who signed signed his book Bells, “To the immense human cost of a bipartisan Michael was also among the nation’s more time is a torture. But we keep saying Warwick soul surfer and friend, Michael.” policy. fnest political observers, alongside it, because if there was any justice in the His voice is gone but it is not silent. It Michael did this for years, quietly Laura Tingle, Laurie Oakes, Paul Kelly cosmos, Michael would have had more resides in everyone his life touched. Still convincing bored editors that the story and Michelle Grattan. time. He would be surfng today. He would now, I can imagine him riding the last deserved a run while avoiding what “The book he wrote about Keating was be with his family. He would be writing. wave in before the swell turns onshore. would have been a far easier path in one of the things that inspired me to go He would be among us. I can see him punching the keyboard to chasing the sexier political yarn of into politics,” federal MP Anthony Byrne But there was no time to “rage against make deadline. That’s what the heart the week. He travelled to the offshore told me on Saturday. No small praise. the dying of the light” as Dylan Thomas does. When death punctures the least camps, having been the frst reporter to But Michael was a diferent sort of would have us do, no time to ride, as likely, it holds onto the memories. Vale. visit Nauru in 2005. When journalists columnist. What he lacked in the acerbic were blocked from visiting, he used insight of Tingle, he made up for in quiet Skype, letters and scratchy phone lines decency, forensic analysis and elegant to communicate. “And what is your writing. His shyness and humanity, Nick McKenzie message to the Australian public,” I coupled with a ferce intellect and quiet THE AGE heard him calmly ask, time and time courage, endeared him to his subjects. ‘Go, Micky, go’: What Michael Gordon taught Nick McKenzie again, as the man on the other end cried He went bike riding with Tony Abbott about journalism... and life or pleaded and implored. and the pair talked about Michael’s other The other phone conversation great passion, Indigenous reconciliation. Michael had every week involved him He interviewed and wrote about Paul E BELLOWED WAR CRIES OF with his face zinc smeared and shaded reading his national afairs column to a Keating in a way that even Keating encouragement as the swell by his sun cap (he was surely the daggi- mysterious mentor to ensure he hadn’t thought fair and substantial. But Wrolled into Woolamai, hitting est bloke in the water), Michael would missed a beat, or strayed into partisan Michael never pulled his punches the sandbank and rearing up into a rise up and begin gliding — no, he was territory. when it mattered. During the last powerful left. fying — over the water, his face a study I once asked Michael who he spoke to, federal election, a scoop he wrote about “Go, Nicky, go!” Michael Gordon in calm concentration. A man possessed but he just smiled wryly. I guessed it was Malcolm Turnbull led to Michael being would yell, urging me to turn fear into by the waves. his great mate and inspiration, his father denied a set piece interview with the energy and paddle like mad. He had that same expression on and former newspaper editor Harry, but prime minister. “He’s done himself no Then it was Micky’s turn. his face when he sat at his computer, the calls continued after Harry died in favours with the PM,” a friend of mine in “Go, Micky, go!” I would hoot as his especially on early Friday afternoon as 2015. It was obvious Michael wasn’t get- Turnbull’s ofce told me when I urged a thick, yellow board skimmed by and, the deadline for his Saturday column ting a steer, or pleasing a source or ceding rethink.

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Michael shrugged. That was his job. with his old high school and uni mates them to win the game for him the right Then again, he might have been doing Such was his nature, Michael would and grew to include their children and way, “without any head-hunting”. more of the journalism he began at the have been blown away by the outpouring other assorted ring-ins. This big family Which they did, with just a teeny bit of age of 17 and kept up until last week, a of grief and respect for him on Saturday, extended to a few famous political, busi- head-hunting, McFarline noted. span of 45 years in which he did not including from many young reporters he ness and sporting types, but also many in I have remembered that reference just win the accolades of his peers and patiently mentored, handed news tips the refugee and Indigenous sectors. to “unaligned heroes” half a lifetime. It industry awards but something more and the numbers of hard won contacts. Three weeks ago, I sat with Michael came back at the weekend when one of important—the respect of the public and Beyond the senseless tragedy of a life and Robyn on the verandah of their the unaligned heroes of Australian jour- of the people he wrote about. ended too short, this wave of emotion bush retreat in the hills of Kilcunda, nalism went down. But, tragically for his There are street-smart people in also goes to the role Michael played as overlooking the ocean. As he always did, family and sadly for his scores of friends, journalism, and some wise ones, too, a steady moral beacon in a media and this giant of journalism gave me advice, and for thousands of readers who knew as well as all the others. But anyone political industry increasingly swamped spoke of stories old and new, including him through his work, Michael Gordon who knew Michael Gordon — at The by partisan shrillness and social media his upcoming journalistic expose of didn’t get up again. Herald or The Australian or his longtime noise. Turnbull’s merciless ditching of the Michael died on Saturday morning employer, The Age—didn’t care whether Many people also remembered Uluru Statement. His pockets flled with the way we should all choose to — doing he was smart or wise but only that he Michael’s trademark hugs, which this a redundancy, rid of the anxiety of the the thing he loved. Which, in Micky’s was fair and honest, decent and kind. sometimes shy and self-conscious man Friday deadline and with his beloved case, was actually only one of the things He had none of the bluster of the bully used to tell people they were part of his Robby by his side, Michael seemed as he loved because he was good at so many — he would blush at the very idea — but family. After a few hugs, you got to know light and as happy as I had ever seen him. things and interested in many more. he was brave when it came to giving a its actual members, Robby (Michael’s As if he was fying over the water, leaning As it happens he was competing voice to those who didn’t have one. wife, Robyn), Sarah and Scotty (kids), and into his favourite left-hander. Go, Micky, in an ocean swimming race at Phillip He had an extraordinary range, from a surfng crew that began decades ago go. Island when his heart — surely the best the humanitarian to the humane to the part of him — stopped beating. But this human. He was, of course, a longtime famously ft man could as easily have political writer who’d known every been surfng with friends and family, as Prime Minister since Malcolm Fraser, Andrew Rule he did whenever and wherever he could. but that never shook the love of sport he HERALD SUN Or, come March, he could have been inherited from Harry, who in turn had cheering his Hawthorn Football Club, inherited it from his own father, who had an obsession he inherited from his late fought as a top-line professional boxer N SPORT, AS IN LIFE, WE SEE THE and Richmond fans, remarkably — father Harry Gordon—a war correspon- between the wars. rare ones who transcend the game would be a little ashamed. dent, Olympic sports writer and brilliant It was another fine sports writer, I in ways that make the usual tribal Jezza was knocked out in shameful editor of this paper’s forerunner, The William Nack, who described the death loyalties and biases a little irrelevant. circumstances at Princes Park one win- Sun News-Pictorial. of the greatest athlete he ever saw, a race- They are blessed with a blend of ter Saturday in the early 1980s, and that Or Micky might have been supporting horse called Secretariat. Nack found it character and ability and humility not great sports writer Peter McFarline wrote his old school’s footy team—or caring for hard to believe that the champion’s huge just hard to ignore but impossible not that a hush fell over the entire crowd his new grandson (named Harry, natu- heart had stopped beating. It is one of to like. It’s an attribute that can’t be because “one of the game’s unaligned rally) for his daughter Sarah, oldest of the most touching pieces of writing you counterfeited. heroes was down and looked to be out the two adult children he shared with the might see, and it is headed simply Pure Anyone who saw Alex Jesaulanko for a very long time.” love of his life, Robyn Carter. Or he could Heart. play football for Carlton in his heyday He went on to describe how to the have been doing volunteer aid work at an Which, in two words, is a perfect knows that when some opposition thug crowd’s relief Jesaulenko struggled to indigenous outback community—or in epitaph for our mate Micky Gordon. He managed to hurt him by playing dirty, his feet, rallied his players (remem- Africa, where he spent many weeks with was all heart, all pure. And none of us can everyone watching — even Collingwood ber captain-coaches?) and motivated his son Scott late last year. believe it has stopped beating.

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John Silvester Tony Wright THE AGE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Michael Gordon: my friend, the real deal Life is brief. Pluck the day and share it with friends

LAST SPOKE TO MICKY ON THURS- A serial hugger, you knew he was VALUED MATE IS CELEBRATING translations): “Ask not — we cannot day. It was about a refugee story I about to sit next to you when you his 70th birthday next month. know — what end the gods have set for I thought was up his alley — Michael received a massive slap on the back. A He’s been insisting I attend the you, for me” had become a passionate voice for people He was so conficted in taking a redun- dinner he is giving to mark this venerable And it ends: “Be wise, strain the who often could not be heard. dancy from The Age as he really loved the achievement. wine; and since life is brief, prune back He told me he was just back from New place. On his last day, he tried to sneak The thing is that he has taken him- far-reaching hopes! Even while we South Wales where he had visited an old out the back door because he hated the self across the world, and is living in the speak, envious time has passed: pluck colleague from The Age who had been fuss and staf had developed a tradition exotic city of Tangier, Morocco. the day, putting as little trust as possible seriously ill. of standing and applauding respected Too far, I figured. Too difficult. in tomorrow.” He was delighted to report that the last journos on their way out. I grabbed him Haven’t got the time. Or the spare cash. It’s not far from my late grandfather’s scans were positive. Typical of Michael, and told him he needed to do the walk so Dithering, it became easy to ofer excuses instruction to never leave yourself he was there for others. I could flm it for his children. And so, he to myself. wondering “what if”. Super ft, Michael loved Phillip Island made the emotional walk, bursting into And yet. I have been pondering the advice a bit and was delighted when he clocked a tears when he reached the lift. My friend will never have another in recent times. It’s age, of course. But it’s certain birthday so he could compete I pressed the wrong button on his 70th birthday. also something much more. as a senior in some of the competitions. phone. It didn’t record. Many years ago, I inquired of my In less than a year, some of the greats Sometimes he would leave home at I was at last year’s Walkley Awards in grandfather what was the most import- of my acquaintance have gone too 4.30 am so that he would be surfing Brisbane when he received the most out- ant lesson his long life had ofered him. early, leaving us to understand Horace’s at dawn — before heading into the ofce . standing contribution to journalism. “Never leave yourself asking ‘what admonition that we cannot know what He started to take as much pride in his He and his lovely wife Robyn were if’,” he said. end the gods have set for any of us. veggie patch as the swag of professional beaming and his speech was typically I was young then, and didn’t quite Last April, the satirist, writer and awards he had won in decades at the top measured and humble. understand how profound was this actor John Clarke did not survive a of his game. In a business full of blowhards, wisdom. ramble in the bush on the slopes of the In the ofce we would talk about Michael was the real deal. Almost 30 years ago a flm called Dead spookily-named Mount Abrupt. our footy club, the Hawks, where he The last thing he said to me was, Poets Society turned one of history’s A few of us gathered one night had taken over from his father, Harry, “Good to chat.” great poetic precepts into a modern afterwards to take wine and consider to update the history of the team in The Hey Mick, the pleasure was all mine. cliche. “Carpe diem”, instructed the star one of Clarke’s favourite poems about Hard Way. of the movie, Robin Williams, playing an gaining sustenance from nature. “You inspirational English teacher. are neither here nor there,” a verse of it Those two Latin words, meaning says, “A hurry through which known and “seize (or more poetically, pluck) the strange things pass.” John Clarke was just day”, were written just over 2000 years 68 and the poem, by Seamus Heaney, ago by the Roman poet Horace. was called Postscript, which was the It is from one of Horace’s Odes, which miserable truth of it. begins (and I’ll spare you the Latin, and The wonderful cartoonist of The Age, use one of the more straightforward Ron Tandberg, died in the frst days of

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this year. Next month we’ll celebrate and Scottie, so they might be as blessed his life when his last book of cartoons, A as us. Michael called the pup Misty, and Year of Madness, will be launched at The as the years went by, his children growing Ken Wyatt Age’s Media House Gallery. with the pup, he often brought stories of Federal minister for Indigenous health Tandberg could not eat at the end, yet the pleasure she delivered. THE AGE in one of our fnal phone conversations Misty lived for an astonishing 18 Vale Michael Gordon, driven by an enduring sense he wanted me to describe in detail the years. When she could no longer go on, of fairness and equity for all contents of my family’s Christmas feast. Michael couldn’t come to work for a He was still plucking the day, even if the couple of days and when he did, we had essence of it was beyond him. Tandberg a long, quiet lunch. OICE” IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF since, because in politics you don’t often was 73 and had given us every day a car- You can tell a bit about a man by the my thoughts in the days since have the chance for frank discussion on toon explaining the strange nature of the way he cares for his dog. VMichael Gordon’s passing — his critical matters, sure that of-the-record world. He loved the beach and the surf, and commentary, his consistency and most of confdences will not be betrayed. And then came the lightning-bolt loss we both had retreats by the coast — his all, his capacity to give voice to people and In subsequent interviews, I back- last week of my longtime colleague and to the east of Melbourne, mine to the far issues afecting countless thousands. grounded Michael to enhance his longer-time friend Michael Gordon. south-west. Barely a fortnight before his death we understanding and to share insights into Thousands of words have been We promised each other we would talked at length about the vexed subject my opinions and the thinking of other written since about this decent, gifted spend time together at both places over of constitutional recognition and a voice Indigenous leaders with whom I’d had and modest man. There is no need to the summer. But life got in the way — too for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander similar conversations. repeat the tributes here, except to say far, too difcult, no time — and we were people. He respected the leaders he interacted that all of them are true. He used every still talking about it on the phone the day I am haunted by his frst words during with but what was crucial was how he day to try to make the world a better before Michael went in an ocean swim- that interview, that perfectly encapsulate covered Indigenous issues. Michael was place for those he loved and served: ming race at Phillip Island last weekend the subtle but irresistible power of his a leader among an important group of his family, his friends, his colleagues, and took his fnal breath, leaving every- journalism: “What I’m trying to do is not journalists who have continually put the refugees consigned to distant islands and one who knew him and loved him in put anyone in the role of villain, but just plight — and I use that word advisedly — indigenous Australians. He surfed and disbelief. to tell the story as it happened, so we can of Aboriginal people in a reasoned and swam and tended his garden, regularly “What if,” we were left asking, and sort of learn from it. That’s where I’m logical way. doubting himself. the poetry of Horace never rang truer: coming from.” His coverage was not overtly emotive, Friendship is a very particular thing, “Even while we speak, envious time has When I entered Parliament in 2010, but the facts, his storytelling and his and I think ours was cemented a quarter- passed.” he was one of the frst journalists to call compassion moved us, nonetheless. century ago when my family’s golden I am of to Morocco next month. me and talk about what it would mean to He constantly brought to the attention retriever gave birth to a litter of puppies. There’s a good mate’s birthday to attend. have an Indigenous person in the House of Australians the injustices and the Knowing the pleasure Phoebe gave We’ll strain the wine. And pluck the of Representatives. challenges that Aboriginal and Torres to our family, we gave the gentlest and day. Our discussion was not centred on the Strait Islander people faced and also prettiest of her pups to Michael and his Life is brief. vanity of history but on the importance examples of inaction by governments to wife Robyn and their two children, Sarah of having Indigenous representation address underlying issues. in the Parliament and equally, within During my last discussion, he asked the Coalition, though there had been if I still believed we would aspire to great champions such as Fred Chaney, proceeding with recognition and the Ian Viner and others who had tirelessly impact of the Uluru Statement from the promoted change for the better for Heart and an Aboriginal voice. Indigenous Australians. We shared thoughts on the importance I relished that conversation and many of having Aboriginal input in the design

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of policies and programs, along with the So, Michael, I thank you for showing us was to me. He was the closest friend me and how we walked together. He saw fostering a sense of empowerment to the worlds within and around our nation. a person could have. He was a father that the locals respected me because I make more of a diference on the ground. I thank you for not being afraid figure. A brother. A role model, and taught their children, and because I was As always, he was determined to to cover the hard stuf. You certainly he was my colleague when I worked at engaged with the community. He under- get the story right. He double-checked weren’t afraid to prick the consciences of The Age as an information consultant. stood my achievement. previous conversations, intent on members of Parliament and the broader “He introduced me to his partner “On Nauru, I taught myself English creating a narrative of substance to lay consciousness of Australian society. Robyn, and his children, and I became and computer science. I did not waste out a measured, realistic approach to You heightened awareness of the a part of his family. He helped me with my time. But I had no family. Michael Indigenous recognition that could help challenges that still face many Indigenous job opportunities. He was always there could truly hear me. Until then no one change the focus from where we are now people and others in a frst world country for me and I was there for him. I could outside Nauru knew me. No one had to where we should be in the future. where choice and opportunity prevail for pick up the phone any time and speak told my story. And because he was there, People like Michael are rare. He the majority. to him. We would meet for cofee, go for and spent time with me, and with those steered clear of sensationalism, instead The nation I remember while growing lunch and dinner. He would take me on inside the detention camp, and because he was driven by an enduring sense up in the 1950s and 1960s is vastly difer- drives to Phillip Island. He took me to the he listened, he wrote the truth about our of fairness and equity for all, not just ent to the Australia we know now, largely footy and to the beaches where he went despair, and our aspirations.” Indigenous people. because of the awareness of challenging surfng. He discussed his designs for the Ali stresses: “He did not see me as a His recent stories on Manus Island issues raised by you and other dedicated holiday house he was building. He intro- victim. Our friendship had nothing to do highlighted his passion for social justice journalists and storytellers. duced me to the Australian way of life. with this. It was not based on sympathy. and his drive to see equality prevail. When you received your Walkley “We hugged each other whenever we He was human, and he saw me as human. As always, we heard many voices, Award last October for Most Outstanding met. We sent each other messages. When “I want to get the words right, as if with poignant messages for all of us to Contribution to Journalism, you said I was feeling down, he would tap me on Michael is listening, and can feel what consider. you were “overwhelmed, humbled and the shoulder and say, ‘You’re OK. You’re I am saying. We were born in separate While our thoughts and condolences delighted” and your biggest debt was “to strong.’ We would talk about everything, countries, and came from diferent are now with his family and close friends, those whose stories I have told”. or we said nothing and enjoyed each cultures. I was Hazara, but it made no there is a sense of sadness that extends There are so many of us who will other’s company. Or we would just have diference. Our friendship was not about from his hometown of Melbourne, to forever owe you a debt of gratitude for a laugh. the past. It was about now, and about the Mutitjulu and far beyond. speaking from the heart. “What can I say? We connected.” future. It was about total trust, and about We have lost a good man, an incredi- Farewell my friend. Michael Gordon met Ali Mullaie two human beings. Two Australians. I ble reporter and an unparalleled mentor in April 2005, when he was the first deeply miss him.” to many. journalist allowed on Nauru during the The public knew Michael through his fnal phase of the Pacifc Solution, Mark ground-breaking journalism about the 1. Ali, then 22, was one of the last 54 plight of refugees and detained asylum detainees still stranded on the island. He seekers. But his involvement went far Arnold Zable has a clear memory of their frst meeting. beyond the call of his profession. Michael THE AGE “It was in the computer lab in Nauru was a loyal friend to some of the people ‘You’re strong’: Refugees remember the friendship College, where I was a teacher of English he wrote about. and support of Michael Gordon and computer science. The connec- The two strands were distinct, but tion was instant. I could feel it. I was closely interwoven. This can be seen appointed his interpreter. We spent a in Michael’s relationship with Manus HEN ALI MULLAIE HEARD THE “I keep thinking and dreaming of lot of time walking around the island. Island detainee Loghman Sawari. When news of Michael Gordon’s sud- Michael, and the many things that were He wondered if my name was Ali or Sir, Loghman heard the news of Michael’s Wden death, he was shattered. between us,” he says. “It is impossible because everywhere I went, the students death, he too was shattered. “Michael Since then he has not slept well. to fnd the words that describe who he called me sir. He saw how they ran up to will always be in my heart,” he says. “He

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is one great man I met from Australia. His boat was intercepted en route to him bashed to death by six people. Only Manus are still dying. People are going I hope I will meet him again in heaven.” Australia and he is now in his ffth year two PNG locals have been charged and mad. It has not stopped. This eventually In a report published in Septem- of exile on Manus Island. Imran taught convicted. Despite ongoing death threats got to Michael.” ber 2015, Michael wrote: “When himself English and began writing about and intimidation by one of the convicted, Michael’s distress can be sensed in Loghman Sawari became the frst refugee the plight of fellow detainees. and the denial of witness protection, many of his stories. Refecting upon to attempt suicide after being released “I studied Michael’s work and Behnam gave evidence at the trial. Loghman Sawari’s ordeal, he wrote: from the detention centre on Papua New approach to journalism,” Imran says. “I “Michael was supporting me during “What compelled the 19-year-old to Guinea’s Manus Island, the reaction was read many articles which were written my worst time in life while I was under turn a towel into a makeshift noose, as swift as it was brutal. The teenager by him. I found his email address and threats and stress,” Behnam says. attach it to a rafter outside his room and was transferred not in an ambulance, but sent my articles of to him. He took time “Describing him in words is very hard step from a chair to oblivion is hardly a in the back of the 10-seat vehicle of the to read and edit my writing, like a father because there are no words that match mystery. His bottom lip trembles uncon- island’s police commissioner, and not checks his child’s homework. He used to his personality. I wish I could talk to him trollably as he tries to explain that anger, to the hospital, but to the local lock-up, provide me with very useful suggestions one more time and hear his voice again. despair and an all-consuming sense of where he spent 24 hours in a small cell about how to write powerful articles. I wish I could attend his funeral. Please hopelessness propelled him.” with about 20 locals.” “One of the important things I learned buy fowers for me and give it to his In a piece published in December Michael continued to report from him was how to organise an article family.” 2015 headlined “My Manus Island Night- Loghman’s story over the ensuing years. with less words by keeping to the main “As a journalist, Michael was always mare”, Michael writes of being haunted He wrote of his daring escape to Fiji, message. It was very challenging for me, interested in the details,” says social by the image of Loghman Sawari break- his arrest and deportation, his jailing in but I started to understand what he was advocate Di Cousens, who assisted him ing down while he is trying to explain, Port Moresby, and the campaign for his trying to teach me. We communicated in liaising with Behnam and other men on camera, how much he misses the release. He worked in close consultation via email, but after a while we stayed in on Manus island. “He always looked for mother who believes he has made it with Loghman’s friend and supporter, touch by WhatsApp. It became a personal the evidence. He asked for documents, safely to Australia and is doing well. writer and advocate Janet Galbraith. friendship, and I met him when he came photos of the injuries and details about Contemplating the immovability of “Michael’s concern for Loghman’s to Manus in 2017.” the bashings, the attempted suicides. He Australian government policy, Michael personal welfare always came frst,” she Refecting on his impressions of chased the facts — the fact that Behnam despairs: “There is a view that the says. “He developed a personal relation- Michael, Imran concludes: “He was had a terrible fungal infection in his situation on Manus, like that on Nauru, ship with him. Whenever he went to PNG a very calm, caring, sympathetic and hands which went untreated. is unsustainable, and that eventually he made sure he spent time with him. He passionate person. There was a feeling “The fact that one detainee was the penny will drop that the end does was distressed by his vulnerability, and of safety in his company. He made the beaten by two guards — one inside the not justify the means, that punishing the immense sufering he endured at atmosphere very pleasant when I met room and one outside — after he was one group of people endlessly in order such a young age. When he was on the him. He was more than just a friend to cut down after an attempted suicide by to deter others is immoral, and that run, in Fiji, Michael called him many me. He was like a father.” hanging. He asked to be notifed when there is another way to achieve the times and counselled him. His deep When Kurdish-Iranian detainee incidents occurred even in the middle of same policy objective. It used to be my concern for his safety was his priority. Behnam Satah heard the news of the night.” view. Now I’m not so sure.” Writing the story was the last resort.” Michael’s death, he wept. “Michael Bearing witness, and engaging for Michael has left a legacy of work that The two strands — Michael as was a brother,” he says. “He was always years on end with the personal lives of documents the brutal consequences of journalist and friend — are evident in his checking on me and asking how I am and detained asylum seekers, can take its Australia’s ofshore detention centres. mentoring of Rohingya detainee Imran if I need anything. I cried for a long time. toll. Janet Galbraith, who often met with When I asked Imran Mohammad why Mohammad. When he was 16, Imran He was like family to me.” Michael to discuss the ongoing horror, Michael’s death has been so deeply felt fed Myanmar in fear of his life. After a Behnam witnessed the murder of observes: “Like those of us who have by the men exiled on Manus Island, terrifying boat journey from Bangladesh his friend and roommate, fellow Kurd- seen it close up for so long, Michael he replied: “He shone a powerful light to Malaysia and time as an indentured ish-Iranian Reza Barati, during a night began to feel so inefectual, so helpless. on our plight for many years. He wrote slave, Imran made it to Indonesia. of violence on February 17, 2014. He saw It troubled him deeply. The people on about our lives with honesty and great

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respect. We reached out to him when- the network became a refuge for many There was no condemnation in Michael, I think he believed in the fundamental ever there was a problem on Manus. He asylum seekers stranded on temporary not even qualifed condemnation ... it decency of politics.” was our great voice out there. It is like visas. was always about you.” Around the Banksia, in its little we lost our right shoulder.” Michael was a gentle presence at the Paying tribute at the outset of the glass bottle adorned with a gold bow, But Michael also left us with the anti- parties. Typically he stood to one side, year’s frst question time, Prime Minister the departed scribe’s colleagues and dote to that cruelty — his friendships beer in hand. Listening. Observing. Malcolm Turnbull remembered Gordon friends welled with tears. Gordon was with those who continue to endure it. Quietly nurturing friendships. He was as “the personifcation of calm”. He was the standard-bearer of the joint, the My fondest memory of Michael is of deeply moved. He understood this was a journalist who knew his principles but exemplar of the business. Without him, him attending the social gatherings at the heart of the story: community, and would never rush to judgment; a man everyone else would be lesser. the Fitzroy Learning Network back in healing. A means of giving voice to the to whom sharing came naturally and to Down below, channelling his late the early 2000s. “Party therapy” is how voiceless. whom hubris was anathema, Mr Turn- friend’s optimism, Broadbent spoke of those gatherings were known by Anne bull said — observations that would be Gordon’s latest project, based on inter- Horrigan-Dixon, under whose leadership echoed by his colleagues at The Age. views with former prime ministers John “When an article had Michael’s byline, Howard and Julia Gillard. you knew that what was written was “It was like he had a new toy, a new sincerely believed and to be believed,” opportunity. It was like his frst piece Tributes fow in Parliament House for journalist Michael Gordon Mr Shorten said. ever,” Broadbent said. MICHAEL KOZIOL, THE AGE “He was a person of complete “He was a fne, fne, fne man. He A fower for a fne man integrity, absolutely trustworthy — an honoured me and all of those around honest soul, and a compassionate one. him, and he honoured this place, and he Mick took the best side of everybody, and honoured us in his death.” N THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Liberal MP Russell Broadbent recalled journalists observe the country’s Micky taking him to the San Remo Hotel, I leaders from up high. They are where Phillip Island meets the mainland, supposed to look down on the bearpit, and pointing out the Channel Challenge keeping witness and casting judgment — honour board, whose inaugural race a symbolism sometimes lost in a system Gordon won in 1986. of co-dependence and insider privilege. “Michael’s zest for life was But Michael Gordon remained above the inescapably infectious; his loss fray — always. inescapably immeasurable,” Broadbent From his usual perch in the gallery — told the Parliament. front row, a few seats from the wall — he Gordon, 62, died at the weekend would sit studiously, taking notes, pars- while taking part in another ocean swim ing the chaos and carry-on below. On at his beloved Phillip Island. He joined Monday, though his seat was vacant, his The Age at 17 and served her for 37 of his spirit was manifest in a single Banksia 45 years in journalism, leaving the news- fower laid by his much-loved colleagues, paper only last year after a lauded career and in the words of his friends on the covering federal politics and national foor of the chamber. afairs — often the dark and troubling Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull corners of Australia’s relationship with and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten were its frst peoples, and with refugees. some of the politicians to pay tribute “He loved this country,” said Broad- to Age journalist Michael Gordon in bent. “He wrote for a kinder, more parliament. reasonable and compassionate nation.

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■ MARK BAKER, ■ BEN BIRCHALL, ■ CHLOE BOOKER, JOURNALIST CRIKEY.COM JOURNALIST, THE AGE Tweets Vale Michael Gordon — If anyone in media wants Devastated to hear outstanding journalist, a guidebook on how to act Michael Gordon has died. compassionate man and and how to treat people, I admired his ethics, ORDERED ALPHABETICALLY Like most journalists, ■ ASYLUM INSIGHT dear friend. You were one seems like Michael Gordon kindness, warmth and he was opinionated Award winning journalist ■ TONY ABBOTT, of a kind, Micky. is the perfect case study. pursuit of truth and and I often respectfully Michael Gordon dies on FORMER PRIME MINISTER justice. He used his disagreed with him. But he Saturday, aged 62. His ■ PATRICIA BARRACLOUGH, ■ PAUL BONGIORNO, Wonderful to participate position for the betterment was careful to try to give coverage of Australian JOURNALIST POLITICAL COLUMNIST in this year’s #coleclassic of the voiceless. A lovely credit where it was due. asylum policy was fair, No one can “become” a So sad to hear of the swim at Manly. Of course, man and a true legend of That’s why he will be a big balanced and thorough. journalist like Michael sudden death of former couldn’t help but think journalism, who remained loss to our polity as well as Read his piece from April Gordon. In a way, he was much respected gallery of Michael Gordon in the accessible to younger to his grieving family and 2017, documenting the born to it — and then spent journalist Michael Gordon course of the swim, he journalists. Vale. friends. stories of asylum seekers a lifetime doing the hard of the Age. A giant of the was a fne journalist and and refugees on Nauru and yards. He is proof that craft has left us too soon. ■ LATIKA BOURKE, a wonderful human being ■ ABDUL AZIZ ADAM, Manus Island. great journalism needs FAIRFAX JOURNALIST and will be much missed. FORMER DETAINEE, MANUS ■ CUI BONO, SURFER integrity, compassion and We’ve lost one of the Like so many others Rest In Peace brother ■ PAUL AUSTIN, Back in the 70s Michael curiosity. fnest and most humble associated with the federal Micheal. The world lost JOURNALIST Gordon along with the journalists. Mickey was parliament, I am in shock another great man. The saddest news. Micky ■ PAUL BARRY, founders of Rip Curl, a true gentleman. His at the premature passing was a role model, mentor, ABC MEDIA WATCH, AND Doug (Claw) Warbrick and ■ DENISE ALLEN, AUTHOR sudden death is as sad as it of Michael Gordon while inspiration, confdant and Brian Singer, Dick Hoole FORMER VICTORIAN MP So sad. Michael Gordon is shocking. participating in an ocean friend. and Jack McCoy started a Very sad to hear of Michael was a great journalist and a ■ MIKE BOWERS, swim today. It’s so typical ■ MICHAEL BACHELARD, surf magazine in Torquay Gordon’s passing today. lovely bloke. Far too young PHOTOGRAPHER, of his vitality and desire INVESTIGATIONS EDITOR, called Backdoor. Vale salty His articles were always to die. THE GUARDIAN to live life to the full that THE AGE sea dog. fair and balanced, thought- ■ MICHELLE BENNETT, I can’t believe this he was he should have been out Michael Gordon, we loved ■ BEHROUZ BOOCHANI, provoking and thoughtful. DIRECTOR one of the greats, R.I.P. and about when tragedy you. We admired you. We NOVELIST, JOURNALIST Vale Michael. Journalism COMMUNICATIONS, HUMAN Micky G struck. aspired to be you. We’ll MANUS ISLAND has lost one of its best. RIGHTS LAW CENTRE Michael was a warm and miss you terribly, but you I would like to share my ■ TIMOTHY BOYLE, Michael was a brilliant engaging human being as ■ AMNESTY AUSTRALIA left so much of yourself deep sadness on hearing COLUMNIST THE SUNDAY AGE journalist, an inspiring well as one of our fnest Michael Gordon was a behind, in the people you the news about Michael Michael Gordon brought writer but above all, he political journalists. compassionate defender mentored, the journalism Gordon, and send my me to the Age with was a wonderful person. He was rarely content of human rights. you produced and the sincere condolences his generosity and His work on our ofshore with just reading source Condolences to family, example you set. to his family. He was a encouragement. I’ll miss detention shame was material and talking to colleagues, friends. wonderful, intelligent him. ■ MARK BAILEY MP, extraordinary. The world protagonists. Wherever person who was always ■ DANIEL ANDREWS, QUEENSLAND will be sadder without his ■ PENNY BRADFIELD, possible he wanted to “live on the side of truth. The PREMIER VICTORIA Vale Michael Gordon — a words and heart. PHOTOGRAPHER the story” by, for instance, refugees in Manus have Just awful to hear of great writer whose Keating Michael Gordon was one actually riding in the Pollie lost a brother. Such terrible Michael Gordon’s passing. book was one of the best. of the fnest people I’ve Pedal or surfng with a news.#Manus A wonderful journalist — Deserved so much longer. ever met. It was a true joy would-be PM. tough, principled and fair. to work with him. Farewell Vale. Micky, you will be missed by so many. Xx 24 25 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

■ BRIDGET BRENNAN, ■ ANTHONY BYRNE, MP ■ ROHAN CONNOLLY, ■ ANNABEL CRABB ■ LISA DAVIES, ■ MR DENMORE, ABC Mourning the passing FORMER AGE FOOTY WRITER This pretty much sums EDITOR SMH COMMENTATOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA Vale Michael Gordon. Such of a great Journalist and Mick wrote about it up. Michael was an For a man renowned as a lovely man, beautiful human being Michael politics with empathy unremittingly decent unfinchingly fair, his I always sought out writer and inspirational Gordon. To gain an insight & compassion, traits and lovely person. Ego passing is entirely the Michael Gordon’s byline. journalist. What a privilege into how a good journalist increasingly rare. He loved in inverse proportion to opposite. Lovely piece by He was thorough and fair to have met him last year he was go no further his footy, music & surfng talent. A writer of great @markgkenny capturing and always shed new and at Uluru. than this defnitive book & spoke of all of them with infuence, who lived for the grief felt by so many important light on his

■ JENNIE BROCKIE, on Paul Keating. A very real insight. Above all, he his family and the ocean. this weekend. subjects. SBS good man who will be was just a decent human ■ DAVID CROWE, ■ PROF. M DAVIS ■ SENATOR RICHARD sorely missed. My deepest being. We’ve lost a good So terribly sad to hear this. POLITICAL JOURNALIST This man, my friend. This DI NITALE sympathies to Michael’s one, people. FAIRFAX One of our very best and is devastating. Aus has Devastated to hear of family and friends. Michael had so much still a truly lovely man. Vale ■ HENRIETTA COOK, few journalists who are Michael Gordon’s passing. to write. We should have Michael Gordon. ■ ADAM CAREY, JOURNALIST forensic in their reporting An outstanding journalist been reading his journalism JOURNALIST, THE AGE RIP Micky. Taken from of Indigenous Afairs. With but an even better person. ■ BOB BROWN, for years to come. FORMER LEADER This is devastating and us too soon. A beautiful the dialogues and Uluru, he He will be missed. AUSTRALIAN GREENS ■ ANDREW DARBY, hard to fathom. My heart man who was a mentor to was not deterred by trivial ■ AMANDA DUNN, JOURNALIST Vale Michael Gordon, aches for his family. many in the newsroom. distractions as news; he THE CONVERSATION outstanding journalist, Always humble, gentle Proud to have sat in understood the enormity ■ BEN CARROLL, MP, Am still reeling about this. great Australian. Bob. and encouraging. He gave “Siberia” beside Michael of what mob had done. VICTORIA Gentle, thoughtful, man; a voice to the voiceless Gordon. And to have ■ LINDA BURNEY, MP Shocked to hear of the ■ PAUL DALEY, wonderful journalist. and stood up for what was worked for the mastheads Michael Gordon was a passing of #MichaelGordon JOURNALIST important. The world is he did so much to ■ HEATHER EWART wonderful person. My — I received his early Simply heartbreaking. a better place because of embellish. A true gentleman, honest thoughts are with his and insightful biography Mick was a mentor & him. and principled, and a fne family and friends. A true of #PaulKeating for my ■ AZ DASTYARI, mate who spoke up for friend. storyteller. 21st birthday from a dear ■ MIRIAM COSIC, DTY DIRECTOR CASTAN the powerless and had CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, JOURNALIST ■ THE FEDERAL ■ ANDREW BUTCHER and late friend which MONASH UNI the best moral antenna in I’ll always treasure. Oh no, the wonderful the game. A lovely man PARLIAMENTARY PRESS Everyone loved Micky Broke my heart to hear GALLERY Condolences to the Michael Gordon has died. leaving a giant legacy of Gordon, and he loved that Michael Gordon We are devastated by the Gordon family. He was one A giant of Australian words and wonderful just about everyone back. had passed. Such an sudden loss of Michael of the greats. journalism: a clear-eyed deeds Wonderful man. I’m so honourable, generous, kind Gordon, a dear friend to observer of life, a nuanced sad for Robyn, Sarah and ■ BARRIE CASSIDY, man and an extraordinary ■ HUGH DE KRETSER, many and an honoured analyst and a beautiful Scotty. ABC journalist. Let’s hope EXEC DIRECTOR, HUMAN colleague to all of us who writer. Vale RIGHTS LAW CENTRE An awful shock. One of the his legacy inspires more cover federal parliament. ■ TERRI BUTLER, MP So so sad to hear Michael nicest blokes you would ■ TOM COWIE, journalists to question Michael was an I am so sorry to hear of the Gordon has died. A ever meet. JOURNALIST, THE AGE abuse and fght for better. outstanding member of loss of Michael Gordon. A brilliant journalist and Vale, Michael Gordon. Just the Federal Parliamentary shock. thoroughly honorable, this week he shared one of Press Gallery. He served decent person. A huge his contacts with me. readers and the nation loss. over four decades with his measured reporting and sharp analysis of

26 27 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

federal politics and ■ BRENDON GALE, journalism. But he stood ■ ROSLYN GRUNDY, ■ AL HARRIS, ■ GREG HUNT MP national afairs. He held CEO RICHMOND FC out for his personal CO-EDITOR AGE GOOD FOOD FREELANCE WRITER Deeply sorry to hear of GUIDE our politicians to account Rest in peace Michael qualities too. Michael was Just heard of Michael’s Michael Gordon’s passing — a while earning and keeping Gordon. A profound and softly spoken, caring and I only half-jokingly called passing. I had the great truly fne person — I had the their respect. He was terrible loss. kind. Whatever topic a Michael Gordon the privilege of taking Michael privilege of both working on rightly honoured last year ■ STEPHEN GILHAM, conversation with Michael conscience of The Age. on a visit to Cape York for stories & swimming w him. with the Walkley Award FORMER HAWTHORN started on, it always ended I’m devastated he’s died his book on reconciliation ■ STEPHEN JONES, MP for most outstanding FOOTBALLER up including him sharing so young. Such a good many years ago. He was Michael Gordon was an contribution to journalism. Very sad to hear of news of his family, who journalist and a fne man. a very good man with outstanding journalist who More than that, he was a the passing of Michael were at the centre of his heart and a strong sense of ■ BRUCE GUTHRIE wrote stories that really mentor and an exemplar Gordon in such tragic life. Everything about his justice and he loved Neil Started in journalism the matter in a way that made a to younger journalists. He circumstances this life with his wife Robyn, Young. He’ll be missed same day, on rival papers. diference set the highest standard of morning. Michael was his son Scott, his daughter Ran The Sunday Age ■ MARK HAWTHORNE, integrity in journalism. He a terrifc bloke and his Sarah and grandson Harry ■ KON KARAPANAGIOTIDIS, together in the nineties. PUBLISHER FAIRFAX was a generous friend and passing today is a great seemed to be a source CEO, AUSTRALIAN ASYLUM Friends for 40 years A giant of journalism and SEEKERS RESOURCE CENTRE a lovely man. loss. My thoughts and of continuing delight for plus. Never met a fner a wonderful man. Our love Vale Michael Gordon. He Writing on his career last prayers are with his family Michael. It is impossible journalist or a fner man and thoughts are with was a man of great integrity, year, Michael said: “Often at this terribly sad and to imagine how acute the than Michael. Devastated. Micky”s family. principle and purpose. A enough, my purpose shocking time. RIP Michael pain of Michael’s loss is fearless ally to #refugees, seemed to be giving voice for them right now. I ofer ■ BIANCA HALL ■ HAWTHORN FOOTBALL ■ JULIA GILLARD who would tell the human to those who didn’t have my sincerest and deepest The world has lost a CLUB Just over two weeks stories years before most one.” His work should condolences remarkable man, and Vale Michael Gordon. ago, I was interviewed media dared or care to. He be an example to us all we’re all poorer for his A great journalist and a by Michael Gordon. In ■ JOSH GORDON, will be missed by so many. and his life should be an loss. He was a giant of great Hawthorn man. every way, he was FORMER AGE STATE My love to his family inspiration to us all. REPORTER journalism, who gave clearly relishing life. ■ IAN HENDERSON, ABC So deeply saddened. power and voice to the ■ PATRICIA KARVELAS, ■ FITZROY REDS FOOTY Enjoying doing freelance Scrupulous, dogged, Michael Gordon is a huge aficted, and aficted the ABC CLUB journalistic work, writing compassionate and kind.. loss to journalism. I will powerful. And he was a Michael Gordon was one of Vale Michael Gordon, a a book and proudly doting Michael Gordon was miss him so much as a bloody good bloke to boot. a kind. His Aboriginal afairs brilliant journalist but also on his frst grandchild. I simply the best of us. friend and mentor. He Vale. reporting was an inspiration a ‘Redder’ back in the day. am devastated he won’t Gone way too soon but was a gentleman and an to me. He delivered the get the opportunity to ■ SENATOR SARAH his shining example lives ■ MARTIN FLANAGAN inspiration. most important stories on live out the happy years HANSON-YOUNG on. Heartfelt sympathy Michael Gordon: one of this country’s unfnished of family time and ■ MICHELLE GRIFFIN, Heartbroken & shocked. to Robyn, Scott, Sarah & the most sensitive men business to everybody. Fair continuing creativity NEWS DIRECTOR, THE AGE Micheal was the very young Harry. I’ve met, a journalist and balanced, but always he was planning. So The greatest journalist, best journalist, but of integrity and clear ■ DARREN HINCH, passionate. He actually horribly cruel. Michael the loveliest man. We’re more importantly one intelligence. My frst sports SENATOR cared. was a thoroughly decent all heartbroken here. Vale of the very best people. editor, opened doors for Stunned, saddened, by man. His approach Micky. A remarkable human. ■ FRAN KELLY me. Believed in the best sudden death of Michael to journalism was Caring, compassionate and And what an outstanding that journalism could be Gordon. Now we’ve lost to thoughtfully tell the strong. journalist he was … brave and do. Like many others, two journalistic giants, truth. The caliber of his and clever and insightful and I loved him. father and son. Harry and work meant he stood out empathic. And just a great Michael. Shit. in the world of political human being. Goodbye Micky! 28 29 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

■ SEAN KELLY ■ MATTHEW KNOTT ■ WAYNE LUDBEY ■ PETER MARTIN, ■ CATHERINE MCGREGOR, ■ SENATOR NICK MCKIM Genuinely shocked, and Gutted to hear about the PHOTOGRAPHER AGE, ABC JOURNALIST Vale Michael. A brave and terribly saddened, to loss of Michael Gordon, My deepest sympathy One of the best there is, in Absolutely gutted and true voice for refugees and hear that Michael Gordon such a gentle, generous goes to his wife Robyn and every way there is. Michael stunned to read of people seeking asylum. has left us. He had a man and inspiring children, Scott and Sarah, Gordon left us today, too the death of colleague ■ ANDREW MEARES, deep understanding of journalist. I’ll always be and his broader family. A soon. Michael Gordon. PHOTOGRAPHER CANBERRA PRESS GALLERY what was important, grateful for the time I got beautiful man ■ JAMES MASSOLA, Prolifc professional and and the ability, integrity, to spend with him at The ■ JOHN LYONS, CHIEF POLITICAL REPORTER passionate journalist. I was so privileged to work and determination to Age bureau in Canberra. ABC FAIRFAX Adhered to the highest closely alongside Michael share that with others. A Vale Micky Gordon; a great standards of integrity and Gordon. His calm intensity ■ MARCIA LANGTON, Farewell, Michael beautiful man, a brilliant writer; an asker of the hard decency. Can’t believe for recognising the WRITER, ANTHROPOLOGIST Gordon. As a person journalist. questions; a man with a it. Bless those he has left moment, the humanity & I am very sad to learn he was thoroughly conscience, unafraid to behind. the purpose of journalism ■ MISHA KETCH, that #michaelgordon has decent. As a journalist speak on behalf of the will stay with me forever. THE CONVERSATION passed. Condolences he touched a generation ■ FRANK MCGUIRE, MP, voiceless; a legend of Thanks for that and all the So very sad about the to his family, friends of other journalists, VICTORIA Australian journalism. hugs Micky loss of Michael Gordon. A & colleagues. He was a mentoring hundreds. His Devastating news that man of empathy, honesty great man, good, kind, commitment to fairness ■ JACQUELINE MALEY, Michael Gordon has died. ■ MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT and integrity. A loss to intelligent, ethical. Vale and social justice shone JOURNALIST FAIRFAX He gave journalism a & ARTS ALLIANCE journalism and all who Michael Gordon. I will through his journalism for This is so shocking. There good name. Authentic A tragic loss to Australian knew him. miss you & your inspiring decades. A huge loss. was no one kinder. He was and insightful, Michael journalism. Vale @

■ GEOFF KITNEY, writing. ■ JUSTIN MADDEN, too young. Life is too short. provided a voice for people mgordon_fairfax, one of JOURNALIST ■ HARRY LARSEN FORMER MP, VICTORIA ■ JULIE MAY, JOURNALIST rarely heard and without the best we’ve ever seen. power. Love to Robyn and Michael Gordon Even in the back bar of Sad to hear the passing of Shocking and tragic news ■ CHRISTINE MILNE, family. epitomised what was best the John Curtin, Michael Michael Gordon, a giant about Michael Gordon’s FORMER LEADER AUSTRALIAN GREENS in journalism. We must Gordon remained a of Australian Journalism. passing. A huge loss for ■ TOM MCILROY, Vale Michael Gordon:a honour his memory by gentleman. Huge loss. My thoughts are with his Australia and his many FAIRFAX JOURNALIST sensitive, gifted man striving for his standards. family & colleagues. colleagues + readers. Vale Michael Gordon. Such ■ ANDREW LEIGH, MP dedicated to justice. I Michael leaves a huge sad news for his friends ■ MARK KNIGHT, Shocked to learn of the ■ SAMANTHA MAIDEN, honour his courage writing compassion, justice and and family. HERALD SUN CARTOONIST death of Michael Gordon. SKY NEWS about plight of asylum integrity-shaped hole in Farewell to the much Loved his Keating bio A beautiful man and a ■ NICK MCKENZIE, seekers and refugees. his beloved country. Vale loved & respected Michael as a kid,and found him great journalist. This will JOURNALIST, THE AGE and thank you. ■ RONALD MIZEN, Gordon. I will never forget thoughtful & engaged in come as a great shock to Vale Michael Gordon. AFR JOURNALIST the time we travelled our conversations. many readers who loved ■ STEPHEN MAYNE, Friend, mentor, legendary Terribly sad news. Vale America together as him. JOURNALIST journalist, voice for ■ ADRIAN LOWE, Michael Gordon. A brilliant 2 young correspondents This is so sad at 62 — asylum seekers and others FAIRFAX ■ DAVID MANNE, journalist and a lovely covering the ’88 US and whilst staying ft without a voice. Sparred Michael so generous to me HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER person to deal with. election from Oregon swimming for goodness respectfully with Keating, when I was starting out. Devastating news: Vale to Florida. Seeing you sake. Michael Gordon was Howard, etc. Died in the Thoughts with his family. Michael Gordon.A brilliant work inspired me then & a fabulous journalist. He ocean, sun on his back. journalist, beautiful man for the entirety of your will be sorely missed: What a wave you rode & friend. He gave voice to journalistic career mate. Mickey, what a wave... the voiceless.

30 31 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

■ LAWRENCE MONEY, ■ PAUL MURPHY, ■ MIKI PERKINS, ■ MOIRA RAYNER, ■ AMY REMEIKIS, ■ MICHAEL ROWLAND, JOURNALIST CEO MEAA SOCIAL EDITOR, THE AGE FORMER VICTORIAN WRITER ABC COMMISSIONER FOR Son of my frst editor, the Awful news. A huge and This is devastating. You HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUAL So incredibly heartbroken. This is so unfair. Michael late Harry Gordon — both tragic loss. Condolences were the heart and ethical OPPORTUNITY A mentor, a friend, a giant. was a truly wonderful man true gentlemen. So sad to to family, friends and compass of our newsroom, He told me once to “be who radiated dignity and I acknowledge the great hear this. colleagues. and so very kind. We miss good, be kind” and he fairness. contribution of Michael you already. embodied both in ways we ■ GAVEN MORRIS, ■ GHULAM MUSTAFA, Gordon to the human ■ SARAH RUBY need so much more of. He DIRECTOR ABC NEWS MANUS ■ TANYA PLIBERSEK, MHR heart of our state and I don’t know what to say changed the way I looked This is terrible, shocking Michael Gordon, rest in A tragedy. An enormous the truth of our human about the terrible loss of at my craft before we met. news. Such a gentleman peace brother … Manus will loss to journalism and qualities of compassion Michael Gordon, except, He changed how I live and of journalism. His speech remember you. So early our nation. Michael was and kindness. Su devour. that in times like these, we think after. I’m heartsick on accepting the Walkley you left us... need long time talented, brave, and I will remember you. cannot be without him. ■ MATTHEW RIMMER, for Most Outstanding to fll this blank. #Manus honest. A true gentleman. ■ NICHOLAS REECE, My heart is with his friends ACADEMIC Contribution to Journalism ■ LAURIE OAKES, He will be greatly MELBOURNE CITY and family, for whom just a few months ago NINE NETWORK missed. My thoughts COUNCILLOR Michael Gordon did his those times are eternal. brought tears to many and sympathies go to his Devastated to learn of very best to shine a light Michael Gordon was one ■ PETER RYAN, of us there. Vale Michael friends and family at this passing of legendary on the horror of ofshore of the nicest and best.A ABC Gordon, one of the true difcult time. journalist and author detention of refugees in terrible loss. Terribly sad news. Michael greats. Michael Gordon. Australia. ■ TEX, POLLSTER Gordon was a lovely man ■ BRENDAN O’CONNOR, MP Honoured to spend time ■ MUMS FOR REFUGEES Vale Michael Gordon. A ■ SUSAN RIMMER and a great journo. Vale Michael Gordon. Top with him during recent Michael: We honour straight shooter who used Vale Michael Gordon, journalist. As passionate weeks @unimelb. His ■ LEIGH SALES, your searing, tireless real sources, did extensive journo extraordinaire, as he was compassionate. articles on “Howard on ABC 7.30 and heartfelt reporting research and told the humanitarian and friend. Wore his heart on his Gun Control” & “Gillard Such a lovely man. You’ll on Australia’s abusive truth. A rare professional. His books, including the sleeve. Wonderful on Women” show just be missed Mickey G x ofshore detention regime. Very sad news indeed. beautiful ‘Freeing Ali’ will company. Word was his how much he still had to ■ CHLOE SALTAU, Rest well, legend. ■ EMMA QUAYLE, stand the test of time. bond. Condolences to his contribute... SPORTS EDITOR, THE AGE ■ KATHERINE MURPHY, FORMER JOURNALIST, A fnely-tuned sense friends and family. ■ REFUGEE COUNCIL THE GUARDIAN THE AGE of justice, dedication “Micky was the most ■ KELLY O’DWYER,MP Micky. You kind, caring, Devastated. Beautiful, to human rights and a beautiful person you could Michael Gordon was my Michael Gordon was such compassionate, beautiful humble man, lion of a wonderful intellect. My ever hope to meet.” And a friend, a brilliant mentor, a kind and thoughtful man. You were the journalist and one of the respects to his family. quiet mentor so many at and a political journalist man. He made a vast champion of so many few left who continued The Age. Sending love to of the highest integrity. He ■ NATASHA ROBINSON, contribution to Australian people. You will be so to fght against injustice his family. spoke for people without ABC journalism. My thoughts missed. and for the rights of the power. He served the Michael Gordon leaves ■ DANIEL SANKEY, and deepest sympathies are marginalised — inc. his truth, with great diligence behind a body of work that DIGITAL EDITOR THE with his family at this time. stand against brutalisation AUSTRALIAN and humility. He didn’t has shaped this country in of people seeking asylum As good a journo as waste a minute. I can’t ■ OLD CAREY FC ways we know, ways we Michael Gordon was ... he believe he left without The OCGFC community know not yet, and ways was an even better bloke. saying goodbye. Vale. is saddened to hear of the we’ll never know. One of Vale Mick. passing of Michael Gordon, the noblest travellers of all. a great Carey man, our thoughts are with Michael’s family. 32 33 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

■ MARK SCOTT ■ DAN SILKSTONE, ■ GEOFF SLATTERY, ■ MARCUS STORM, ■ AMIR TAGHINIA, ■ JOSEPHINE TOVEY, Few more loved, admired JOURNALIST FRIEND PRESIDENT MEAA FORMER DETAINEE MANUS JOURNALIST and respected than I keep reading these and There will be Twitter in This is just terrible and sad. I was deeply shocked What an enormous loss. Michael Gordon. For it just makes me really the next life, Micky. Just Huge loss for us all. My and saddened to hear the Michael’s principled, decades, the best of the sad. But what a mark to search for Michael Gordon condolences to Michael’s loss ofour great journalist humane journalism on best. leave on the world — the & the wonderful words of family and loved ones. friend and supporter, Indigneous afairs and

■ JOCK SERONG, overwhelming sense friends, colleagues & old ■ CATHERINE STUBBERFIELD, Michael Gordon. My asylum seekers was so AUTHOR of your own unstinting foes will make your heart SPOKESPERSON FOR UNHCR condolences to his family important. Hopefully decency. A rare legacy burst with pride. I have and friends. it will inspire a new Ah, this is awful. Loved What a rare thing in this these days. never had a better friend generation of Australian his journalism on asylum life to get to meet one of ■ THE AGE SPORT & never will. We loved yr journalists. seekers and he did a ■ JOHN SIMPSON your heroes and discover Vale Michael Gordon. work but that was nothing wonderful book on Bells. Michael Gordon shone a they are even more wise, A brilliant journalist ■ MALCOLM TURNBULL, like our love for you. Great writer. light into the less visible decent and kind than you — generous and PRIME MINISTER ■ DEBORAH SNOW, ■ SHAMINDAN, corners of the human could have imagined. Vale compassionate. Will be Farewell Michael Gordon. SMH JOURNALIST FREEDOM FIGHTER condition. He tried to Michael Gordon. It was greatly missed. One of the most wise and give a voice to those Too too soon to leave an honour to briefy know calm of journalists. A good I would like to share send ■ LAURA TINGLE, without one. Always us Michael Gordon; you. friend and great mentor to my condolences to the AFR JOURNALIST compassionate, always revered in the Sydney and so many. He left us far too family, friends, and peers ■ DUSKA SULICICH, Such a shock. Vale gentle true to his craft. Fearless in Melbourne newsrooms, soon. Love and sympathy of Michael Gordon. A true EDITOR THE SUNDAY AGE Micky Gordon. Celebrated seeking out all views and a beacon for those who to Robyn and his family at journalist, humanitarian Michael Gordon, our Age and beloved Age journalist reporting them. A mentor follow. this tough time. and brother. Truth, legend and one of the most to many. Kind and without ■ JEWEL TOPSFIELD, empathy, courage and ■ DANIE SPRAGUE, beautiful men has died. We ■ MAX UECHTRITZ, ego. FAIRFAX JOURNALIST compassion made him one PICTURE EDITOR, are utterly bereft. ABC SUNDAY AGE Michael Gordon taught of the best investigative ■ MELISSA SINGER, Stunned. Giant of our Vale Micky Gordon a ■ SUNSOI@073, REFUGEE me you didn’t have to be journalists of Australia. FAIRFAX JOURNALIST industry so many of us devastating day for all here I would like to share my a mongrel to be a good The world has lost a giant have admired from afar. ■ BEVAN SHIELDS, @theage @theage_photo depth empathies and journalist. The importance not only of journalism but Devastating loss for his FAIRFAX CANBERRA BUREAU Condolences to Robyn condolences to the family of kindness, of barracking CHIEF also humanity. I adored family, friends and the and family. A man with and friends of Michael for the underdog, of We are heartbroken by this man. Our hearts are craft of journalism. a golden heart and soul Gordon. He was a legend speaking your truth. He the death this morning of breaking. passed away this morning adventure the age’s was on the side of the ■ SONYA VOUMARD, our beautiful friend and ■ SENATOR ARTHUR doing what he loved. journalism and sincerely angels and I can’t believe AUTHOR colleague Michael Gordon SINODINOS ■ CAMERON STEWART grateful human being and he is gone. Feeling sad as this ■ BILL SHORTEN Vale Michael Gordon, a he was a voice of voiceless news sinks in. Michael Truly heartbreaking news. Mick was one of the good master craftsman of great pple & symbol of humanity. Gordon’s gentle face in the One of the best journalists guys. A passion for truth- decency and character. Rip brother photos says it all. Always Australia has ever telling, a champion for Always found him friendly unassuming, always brave. produced and the most social justice, his every but penetrating in his wonderful bloke also. word was wielded for a questioning, a role model cause. I’ll miss reading for fellow journalists. My him and talking to him sympathies to Robyn and immensely. Love and family. condolences to his family.

34 35 MICHAEL GORDON • 1955 — 2018 TRIBUTES

■ TONY WALKER, ■ TIM WATTS, MP ■ SENATOR PENNY WONG JOURNALIST Horrible, horrible news Michael Gordon was one Well we remember Age about Michael Gordon. So of the fnest journalists Canberra bureau circa very sad. I knew. Thoughtful,

1978-79 Grattan, Davidson, ■ RICHARD WILLINGHAM, compassionate and Broadbent, Gordon, ABC NEWS decent. And a humble, Balderstone, McCarthy, lovely man. My deepest No words can do justice to Thomas, Saluzinsky... sympathies to his family just how great a bloke and RIP Michael died doing and friends. Such a loss journalist Michael Gordon something you loved — in for all. was. A mentor and a mate. the surf Vale Mickey. ■ YOTHU YINDI ■ WALKLEY FOUNDATION FOUNDATION ■ TONY WILSON, The Walkley staf and WRITER It is with deep sadness board ofer our deepest we extend our sincere Stunned and devastated condolences to the condolences to the family to hear the news about @ family and friends of of #MichaelGordon. mgordon_fairfax A gentle Age journalist Michael What a consummate man in every sense, but Gordon. Michael won the professional he is. A also fercely driven and 2017 Walkley Award for gentleman and an honor to one of the legendary Outstanding Contribution have him reporting from journalists of our time. All to Journalism. our neck of the woods in of us Wilsons are shedding NE Arnhem Land. ■ ROY WARD, tears today. The next JOURNALIST, THE AGE chapter awaited, and this Michael Gordon gave is too soon. So sad today.

Australian journalism so ■ TONY WINDSOR, much yet still had so much FORMER MP to give, we have lost him Michael Gordon was far too soon. an example to anyone interested in politics, policy and fairness with a zest for the facts rather than the sensational , a true journalist ...my sympathy to his family and his colleagues .

COVER PHOTO: ALEX ELLINGHAUSEN • BACK COVER WORDS: THE HON. TED BAILLIEU

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