Former Cabinet Minister Aussie Malcolm Dies Amid Child Abuse Allegations
Whangārei, New Zealand – Anthony “Aussie” Malcolm, a former National Party Cabinet minister and prominent businessman, has passed away at the age of 83 after a short illness. However, the news of his death has been overshadowed by serious allegations of historical child sexual abuse that emerged in the days following his passing.
Malcolm, who served as the MP for Eden from 1975 to 1984, held several ministerial portfolios in Sir Robert Muldoon’s government, including Health, Immigration, and Railways. His time as Immigration Minister coincided with the controversial “dawn raids,” where immigration officials would enter homes in the early morning hours to apprehend and deport suspected overstayers. While not directly responsible for initiating the raids, Malcolm’s role in implementing the policy and facing the subsequent public backlash remains a significant part of his legacy.
The complaints, dating back to the 1980s, emerged during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Police have confirmed they were investigating Malcolm for historical child sexual abuse at the time of his death, handling the allegations with utmost care and confidentiality.
The dawn raids, a policy that sparked widespread public outcry for its harshness and impact on families and communities, have taken on a new layer of complexity in light of these allegations. The raids, often seen as a symbol of racial discrimination and social injustice, have now become intertwined with the accusations of abuse, further deepening the sense of alienation felt by Pacific Island communities in New Zealand.
National Party President Sylvia Wood expressed condolences, highlighting Malcolm’s lifetime of service to the party and the nation. However, the party acknowledged they were unaware of the ongoing investigations.
Malcolm is survived by his four children and six grandchildren. His family has declined to comment on the allegations.
The news of Malcolm’s death and the subsequent revelations have sparked widespread discussion and debate. While some have expressed sadness at his passing, others have condemned his alleged actions and questioned the legacy of a man who held such prominent positions. The allegations cast a dark shadow over Malcolm’s career and raise difficult questions about the accountability of those in positions of power.
