Former ABC journalist and foreign correspondent Matt Peacock has died, the broadcaster confirmed on Thursday afternoon.

Formerly London, New York and Washington correspondent, Peacock was also the ABC’s chief political correspondent for current affairs radio, appearing on programs including AM and The World Today.

He died following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was perhaps best known for his book Killer Company, which exposed how James Hardie Industries concealed an asbestos tragedy.

Peacock was voted by his colleagues as the staff-elected director on the ABC’s board in 2013, following a vote of 1800 employees.

He began his career with the ABC in 1973 as a trainee, before later becoming the broadcaster’s top political reporter in Canberra for its radio channels.

Killer Company was later turned into an ABC miniseries, Devil’s Dust.

ABC chair Kim Williams said the broadcaster was deeply saddened to hear about Peacock’s passing.

“Since starting at the ABC as a cadet in 1973, he was dedicated to pursuing the health impacts of asbestos in different communities, defending the marginalised and giving a voice to people who needed their story to be told,” Williams said.

“Our audiences trusted him and knew him as a courageous and principled journalist who pursued those who hid from their responsibilities.”

“He loved the ABC and believed in its integrity and standards, and he urged his colleagues to uphold these values without compromise. We will miss his friendship and advice. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.”

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