1998 (also known as the "Wik ten-point plan") and the partial privatisation of Telstra. He secured $350 million in communications and environmental funding for Tasmania in return for backing the Telstra legislation. However, he refused to support the Goods and Services Tax. After 1 July 1999, the Coalition needed four extra votes to pass Senate legislation so Harradine's vote became less important. He was socially conservative, reflecting his Catholic values. He opposed abortion, embryonic stem cell research, same-sex marriage, and pornography. He secured a ministerial veto on importation of the abortifacient RU486, and a prohibition on Australian overseas aid financing family planning that included abortion advice. Death He died in April 2014 at his home, in Tasmania, aged 79. He had suffered several strokes prior to his death. Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered Harradine's family a state funeral, which was accepted. The funeral was held on 23 April 2014 at St Mary's Cathedral, Hobart. References Further reading Fitzsimmons, Hamish. "Brian Harradine dead". ABC Lateline 14 April 2014 Kingston, Margo. "Brian Harridine, man of honour". The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 June 2004 Crawford, Wayne. "Brian Harradine, the epitome of the definition of independent". Mercury, Hobart, 20 April 2014 1935 births 2014 deaths Independent members of the Parliament of Australia Members of the Australian Senate Members of the Australian Senate for Tasmania Australian trade unionists Australian Roman Catholics Australian anti-abortion activists People from Quorn, South Australia 21st-century Australian politicians 20th-century Australian politicians