AUSTRALIANS would be saddened and shocked by Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's death in a marine accident, Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile said today.
The 44-year-old was killed by a stingray barb which pierced his chest while he was shooting a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef.
Mr Vaile, who presented Mr Irwin with an Australian export award in 2004 for his Australia Zoo, said the Queenslander had made an amazing contribution to conservation and business.
"I was a tremendous fan of Steve Irwin because of his larger-than-life personality and his ability to highlight wildlife conservation in a way that people from all walks of life could identify with," the Nationals leader said.
"Steve Irwin's operations included his zoo, television series, The Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation, and International Crocodile Rescue.
"Steve was an amazing Australian and my thoughts, and those of all the Nationals, are with Steve Irwin's wife Terri and his two children, Bindi Sue and Robert."
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who used a photograph of his family at Australia Zoo for his official Christmas card last year, hailed Mr Irwin for his work in promoting Australia.
Mr Irwin was heavily involved in this year's "G'Day LA" campaign.
"The minister knew him, was fond of him and was very, very appreciative of all the work he'd done to promote Australia overseas," a spokesman said.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20350403-29277,00.html
Kyo-son5 Community Member 
|
|
