A leading figure of Australia's scientific presence in Antarctica has died, leaving a legacy which has established Australia among the world leaders in polar research.
In the 28 expeditions Phillip Law made to Antarctica - the last aged 91 - and more than four decades of work, he established Australia's three Antarctic bases.
He died in Melbourne on Sunday, aged 97.
''He was once the be-all and end-all of Australia's Antarctic program, but his legacy is still with us,'' the general manager of policy at the Australian Antarctic Division, Tom Maggs, said.
While Sir Douglas Mawson established the Australian Antarctic Territory in 1936, Dr Law continued his work after a hiatus either side of World War II.
He was an explorer, expedition leader, scientist and lobbyist who won crucial government support to expand the program.
Dr Law led the expedition party that founded Australia's first Antarctic station in 1954. Three years later, he founded the Davis station and, in 1959, negotiated the transfer of the United States-owned Wilkes station into Australian hands, later initiating construction of the replacement Casey station.
He also helped map more than 5000km of Antarctic coastline and said he stared death in the eye on 25 of his 28 trips. He was director of the Antarctic Division from 1949 to 1966.
AAP
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