Blanche d’Alpuget, a prominent Australian author and biographer, passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 82 due to complications from influenza. Known for her fearless approach to both life and writing, d’Alpuget made significant contributions to Australian literature and politics throughout her career.

Born to a respected Australian journalist, d’Alpuget began her career in journalism before moving to Jakarta in her early twenties with her first husband, Tony Pratt. There, she witnessed Indonesia’s tumultuous political upheavals during the mid-1960s. She went on to write novels such as *Monkeys in the Dark* (1980) and *Turtle Beach* (1981), which received critical acclaim and literary awards. Her best-selling biography, *Robert J Hawke: A Memoir* (1993), played a notable role in shaping public perceptions of the former prime minister Bob Hawke, who later became her husband.

Despite the public association with Hawke, political historian Chris Wallace emphasized that d’Alpuget had an established reputation in her own right long before their relationship became widely known. Many recognize her as a multifaceted figure—a journalist, traveller, refugee advocate, and novelist—who was defined by a spirit of independence and a refusal to conform to societal expectations. Former Labor minister Susan Ryan described her as "vivacious" and "unconventional," while former MP Craig Emerson recalled her as a woman who “laughed a lot” and believed strongly in life after death, a belief she had assured Hawke he would share.

D’Alpuget's final years were marked by a continued engagement with life and literature. She expressed a thoughtful perspective on dying, likening it to "untying a million little knots," with the soul striving to be released despite being held by the body. Relatives and close friends have noted her generosity, curiosity, and courage. She had also expressed specific wishes for her funeral, including a coffin lined with red, blue, and white—representing life, sky, and spirit—and desired that the music “When the Saints Go Marching In” be played.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to d’Alpuget’s enduring impact, saying Australia “lost a true one-off.” Her family echoed this sentiment, urging people to “love one another,” a message reflective of d’Alpuget’s belief that love extends beyond family and tribe to encompass all humanity and creation. She will be laid to rest beside Hawke at the Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium in Sydney.

Blanche d’Alpuget’s legacy endures through her literary achievements, political influence, and the values she championed—kindness, courage, and an expansive love for others.