Veteran newsman Peter Harvey dies A brilliant journalist and a better man ... Michelle Grattan has paid tribute to Peter Harvey. Peter Harvey has died as he lived, leading the news on Channel Nine. Tributes for the late journalist poured in after it was announced on the 6pm news on Saturday that Harvey had died of pancreatic cancer. Political correspondent and commentator Michelle Grattan described Harvey, who she knew since the 1970s, as a brilliant journalist and a better man. "He was a great journalist and he was always incredibly helpful to colleagues around the gallery," she said. I remember he was always ready to assist anyone and he was a very pleasant person to have on those long prime ministerial trips. On a superficial level, I think everyone knew him for that voice and that sign-off - but he always told a story with substance in a simple, straight up and down way. The political editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, Peter Hartcher, said Harvey was a rare man. He was always fair and fair-minded, but the main thing to say about Peter is, he was always a gentlemen in an industry not known for them. Hartcher also said Harvey had a unique style that set him apart from others. "He always managed to tell a story in an extraordinary way and he did it with the most distinct voice in television," he said. Channel Nine chief David Gyngell broke the news of Harvey's death to staff in a message. "It's with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of the great Peter Harvey," it read. As all of you know, Peter had been battling terminal illness for the past six months. And as we all witnessed, he confronted the inevitable with his trademark mix of courage, selflessness and humour. That was simply inspiring. But not the least bit surprising.