'Iconic' former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser passes away at 84

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser has passed away at the age of 84.

A statement released by Fraser's office said that he died "peacefully" in the early hours of the morning of March 20 after a brief illness, reported News.com.au.

Fraser is survived by his wife Tamie and four children.

He served as the Prime Minister of Australia from 1975 to 1983 and came to power in controversial circumstances after the Governor-General's dismissal of Gough Whitlam. He secured a landslide victory in the 1975 election.

As Prime Minister, Fraser oversaw the creation of the Australian Federal Police force and the establishment of Australia's first Freedom of Information Act. He also played an important role in the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, the establishment of an independent Zimbabwe, and the rise of multiculturalism in Australia. His regime revived the nation's immigration program and accepted about hundreds of thousands of migrants during its eight years in power, including more than 50,000 Vietnamese asylum seekers.

After leaving office, Fraser advocated social justice causes and established the Australian arm of the CARE network, a humanitarian organisation, serving as president of CARE International from 1990 to 1995.

Current Prime Minister Tony Abbott paid tribute to the leader by saying it was a sad day for all Australians.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten praised Fraser's legacy by saying he had given six decades of tireless devotion to the nation and shown international leadership of great integrity.