Richard Pratt, a great Australian, made an extraordinary contribution to this nation, and not only in his generous endowments including those through the Pratt Foundation, but also in th eleadership he offered in such matters as the environment. His last years were however marred by what became a vendetta against him.
A finding of a breach of the competition law brought a remarkably heavy financial penalty given that the authorities were not required to prove damage. What was extraordinary was the resulting vicious attack on him by elements in the media noted neither for their competence nor previous interest in competition matters. This brought little credit on themselves or their outlets.
Then a second legal action was brought which just before his death was subsequently shown to be without merit.
This litigation and this vendetta in no way reduces his greatness. Rather it demeans those involved.
Australians for Constitutional Monarchy convey their deepest sympathy to Mrs Pratt and to their children, Anthony, Heloise and Fiona.