Larry Pickering (1942 – 2018): Controversial Australian Political Cartoonist Who Won Four Walkley Awards

Lawrence Pickering aka. Larry Pickering (18 October 1942 – 19 November 2018) was an Australian political cartoonist, caricaturist, satirist, and illustrator best known for his cutting political wit and controversial subject matter. A four-time Walkley Award winner, Pickering’s influence on Australian political commentary was both profound and polarizing. Throughout his life, he was regarded as a brilliant draughtsman and social critic by some, and an incendiary provocateur by others. While his early work gained widespread praise and critical acclaim, his later years were shadowed by accusations of financial impropriety, hate speech, and the publication of divisive and offensive material that drew widespread condemnation and national debate.

Infobox: Larry Pickering

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Australia on 18 October 1942, Lawrence Pickering grew up during the post-World War II era—a time marked by reconstruction, optimism, and a renewed sense of national identity. From a young age, Pickering demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a talent for observational humor. He often sketched caricatures of teachers, politicians, and sports figures in school notebooks, developing a distinctive style characterized by exaggerated features and punchy captions.

His first professional role came as a proofreader for a local publication. This humble entry into the world of media gave him firsthand exposure to journalism and editorial practices. Recognizing his potential, The Canberra Times editor John Allan offered him the opportunity to work as a political cartoonist. This pivotal moment would set the trajectory for his long and complex career.

Pickering’s early cartoons, emerging during the politically charged years of the Whitlam and Fraser governments, quickly garnered public attention. Known for his keen insights and irreverent humor, he became a household name in the Australian press. Collaborating with Reuters correspondent Michael Guy, he illustrated The Hansard Papers, a tongue-in-cheek look at parliamentary life that reached No. 1 on the Australian bestseller lists. This success laid the foundation for his national prominence.

Acclaim and Walkley Awards

Pickering’s incisive and bold satire earned him four prestigious Walkley Awards, cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s leading cartoonists:

• 1971 & 1972 – for political cartoons published in The Canberra Times
• 1973 – for his illustrations in The National Times
• 1974 – for his editorial work with The Sydney Morning Herald

These accolades came at a time when political cartooning played a vital role in shaping public discourse, and Pickering’s fearless, sometimes caustic depictions of political figures struck a chord with readers nationwide.

In 1976, Pickering transitioned to The Australian, where his renowned “Jungle Series” debuted in the newspaper’s weekend editions. This collection used anthropomorphic animals to represent key political personalities, offering metaphorical commentary on the shifting dynamics of Australian politics. It became wildly popular and showcased his ability to intertwine visual metaphor with scathing critique.

Despite his success, Pickering announced his retirement from daily political cartooning in 1981, citing a desire to explore new creative and commercial ventures. However, he remained active in the public eye through his risqué publication Pickering’s Playmates, a calendar series featuring semi-nude models with humorous captions. Though considered distasteful by some, the calendars were commercially successful and became a staple of 1980s Australiana.

Return to Cartooning and Online Commentary

After three decades largely spent outside the political spotlight—during which he trained racehorses, dabbled in agriculture, and pursued private business interests—Pickering returned to cartooning in 2011. Launching his own blog, The Pickering Post, he reentered public discourse with the same acerbic wit, now amplified by the unfiltered nature of digital media.

His renewed presence coincided with the leadership of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, whom he fiercely criticized in a series of cartoons and opinion posts, often focusing on the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) affair. These depictions, widely viewed as sexist and demeaning, drew heavy criticism from political commentators, feminist organizations, and Gillard herself, who publicly labeled Pickering’s blog “vile and sexist.”

Pickering nonetheless amassed a sizable online following, especially among right-wing and conservative circles who praised his blunt critiques and perceived defiance of political correctness. He also began appearing at conservative political gatherings and right-wing events, often as a headline speaker, where he continued to promote his personal views on politics, culture, and national identity.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Financial Troubles

In 2010, Pickering was declared bankrupt following a court case brought by the father of his former de facto partner. The bankruptcy proceedings exposed significant questions about Pickering’s financial dealings and asset declarations. Despite claiming that his only possession of value was a “$250 set of golf clubs,” inquiries revealed that he may have had hidden interests in various business ventures, prompting suspicions from both creditors and regulatory authorities.

The controversy intensified when Pickering was linked to Cohen Strachan Investments, a betting software company that eventually collapsed. The company had promised high returns to gamblers through predictive betting algorithms but went into bankruptcy, causing substantial financial losses to its investors. Pickering publicly distanced himself from its operations, insisting he was merely a figurehead or an informal advisor with no formal role in the business. However, a private investigator hired by defrauded gamblers unearthed documents and communication trails suggesting deeper involvement. These findings were submitted to the Queensland Police and ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) for further scrutiny.

Additional revelations connected Pickering to Hamlyn Crest, the official Australian distributor of the betting software, which the Supreme Court of Queensland ruled had provided him with “significant financial benefits.” In its judgment, the court described Pickering’s denials of involvement as “thoroughly implausible,” pointing to financial transfers and email correspondences that contradicted his public statements.

In 2015, detectives from the Queensland Fraud Squad reopened their investigation, citing new evidence and increasing pressure from affected investors. Pickering was reportedly interviewed at his residence on the Gold Coast, where he maintained his innocence and blamed mismanagement on others within the company. Despite ongoing legal scrutiny, he avoided criminal charges but continued to face civil actions related to the company’s insolvency.

The financial scandal tainted his public image significantly, especially among his supporters who had previously admired his entrepreneurial drive. It also raised broader questions about celebrity endorsement in financial schemes and the responsibilities of public figures in such ventures.

Accusations of Hate Speech

On 10 February 2017, Pickering delivered a highly controversial speech at a fundraising event hosted by the far-right Q Society. During the event, he made inflammatory and offensive remarks targeting Muslims and the LGBTQ+ community. Among his statements, he said, “I can’t stand Muslims. If they are in the same street as me, I start shaking,” and added, “They do chuck pillow-biters off buildings,” referencing a derogatory term for gay men.

These comments sparked outrage across Australia, with political leaders, media commentators, and human rights organizations condemning his rhetoric as xenophobic, homophobic, and deeply offensive. Major newspapers and television networks covered the incident extensively, reigniting debates about hate speech, free expression, and the limits of satire.

Despite the backlash, Pickering remained unapologetic, defending his comments under the banner of free speech and claiming that political correctness had gone too far in stifling open dialogue. He continued to post incendiary content on The Pickering Post, further entrenching his status as a polarizing cultural figure. Critics argued that his platform contributed to the normalization of hate speech, particularly online.

Personal Life

Larry Pickering lived a colorful and complex personal life, mostly based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He was married to Carol and was the father of eleven children from multiple relationships. Those close to him often described him as charismatic, fiercely opinionated, and deeply loyal to his family, though his personal beliefs and lifestyle often drew criticism from the broader public.

A lifelong smoker and known bon vivant, Pickering was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015. Doctors removed a significant portion of one lung in early 2016 and gave him a grim prognosis. Defying expectations, he continued to draw, write, and maintain his online presence until shortly before his death. His resilience during this period was noted by friends and supporters, who admired his tenacity and work ethic.

He passed away on 19 November 2018, at the age of 76, in Arundel Hospital on the Gold Coast, with his wife and family by his side.

Bibliography

• The Best of Pickering (1973), Federal Capital Press, Canberra
• It’s Pickering’s Best (1976), Pickering Promotions Ltd, Gosford, NSW
• A Decade of Pickering (1980), HEL Productions, Milsons Point, NSW
• Unpublished collections of Pickering’s Playmates calendars (1980s–1990s)
• Numerous blog posts and editorial pieces on The Pickering Post (2011–2018)

Legacy

Larry Pickering remains one of the most controversial figures in the history of Australian media. His early years brought him accolades and national recognition, while his later years served as a lightning rod for discussions around free speech, media ethics, and public accountability.

To his admirers, Pickering was a truth-teller who fearlessly challenged authority, exposed political hypocrisy, and provided a much-needed alternative voice in Australia’s media landscape. His humor, drawing style, and sharp mind left a lasting impression on the field of editorial cartooning.

To his detractors, he symbolized the dangers of unchecked expression and the harm caused by hate speech disguised as satire. They remember him as a provocateur whose work often crossed ethical and moral boundaries.

Regardless of the viewpoint, Pickering’s legacy underscores the power of the cartoonist’s pen—capable of inspiring thought, laughter, and outrage in equal measure. His life is a case study in the double-edged nature of influence, and the fine line between fearless commentary and offensive provocation.

FAQ about Lawrence Pickering aka Larry Pickering

Q1: Who was Lawrence Pickering? 

A1: Lawrence Pickering, born on October 18, 1942, in Australia, was a renowned political cartoonist, caricaturist, and illustrator known for his work in the field.

Q2: What awards did Lawrence Pickering receive during his career? 

A2: Lawrence Pickering was the proud recipient of four Walkley Awards for his exceptional work in political cartooning.

Q3: When did Lawrence Pickering retire from political cartooning? 

A3: Lawrence Pickering retired from political cartooning in the 1980s but returned to the field in 2011.

Q4: Were there any controversies surrounding Lawrence Pickering? 

A4: Yes, there were several controversies in his life, including financial disputes, instances of hate speech, and the creation of offensive cartoons.

Q5: When and where did Lawrence Pickering pass away? 

A5: Lawrence Pickering passed away on the evening of November 19, 2018, at an Arundel Hospital on the Gold Coast, Queensland, at 76, with his family by his side.