Michael Leunig

Michael Leunig (1945–2024) was an Australian cartoonist, writer, poet, and satirist whose distinctive drawings and gentle, questioning humour became widely known through major newspapers. He published cartoons and columns in outlets including *The Age* and *The Sydney Morning Herald*, building a long-running public presence in Australian cultural life. Leunig’s work often blended everyday observation with moral and spiritual reflection, using simple line art and recurring characters to explore themes such as love, politics, consumerism, and compassion. Alongside his newspaper work, he produced books collecting cartoons, poems, and essays, and remained a prominent, sometimes controversial, voice in national debate.