'Great Australian': veteran TV news anchor farewelled

Former ABC news anchor Richard Morecroft has passed away at the age of 70, after battling cancer. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, fellow broadcaster Leigh Sales, and countless viewers have paid tribute to the veteran newsreader. Morecroft, who moved from England to Australia at the age of 10, spent decades with the national broadcaster, presenting news bulletins in South Australia and Sydney.

He also hosted quiz show Letters and Numbers on SBS and the children's program Behind the News. Prime Minister Albanese described Morecroft as a consummate professional who also had heart, praising his beloved presence in Australian life. Fellow ABC veteran Leigh Sales remembered Morecroft as a true gentleman, universally admired and respected. Morecroft's family expressed their devastation at losing a warm, generous, and caring human.