Margaret Scott dies at 71

Tasmanian poet and author, Margaret Scott, has died at the age of 71.

For several years she suffered from emphysema, and she passed away early this morning.
Dr Scott was born in Bristol, England, in 1934.
She emigrated to Tasmania in 1959 with her husband and a son.
She went on to have another son, two daughters and her family was later extended to include three stepchildren.
She retired as head of the University of Tasmania's English Department in 1987 to pursue writing.
Her publications include the novels The Baby Farmer and Family Album, a book on Port Arthur (Port Arthur : a story of strength and courage) and numerous anthologies of poetry.
Through her work, she shared her love for family and life.
She also expressed her affection for her Tasman Peninsula home, which she moved into after the death of her partner.
The home was destroyed by fire in 2003.
The peninsula's Mayor, Peter Wilson, says he is shocked and saddened by the news of her death.
"Margaret was a real character," he said.
"Very down-to-earth person and a real character and she absolutely loved our peninsula.
"I mean, she chose to settle here and make a home here.
"A few years ago her house burnt down. The amount of support she got in the community was just phenomenal because she was just that sort of person."

Community service

Dr Scott became an audience favourite on the ABC's Good News Week in the 1990s, and also appeared on World Series Debates.
Dr Scott was dedicated to human rights and was one of the first people to sign a book protesting against the treatment of asylum-seekers in Australia.
She was known for her support of the Port Arthur community and the arts community - particularly the writing community - and won many awards for both her writing and her service.
One of her highest accolades was winning the Australia Council Writers Emeritus Award in 2005.

'State treasure'

The University of Tasmania, where Dr Scott taught for 25 years, has described her as a state treasure.
The university's Acting Dean of Arts, Marcus Howard, says she will be fondly remembered.
"Margaret Scott was a Tasmanian treasure and a treasure of the university," he said.
"And in fact, personally, I was taught by her as an undergraduate.
"So I have fond memories both as a great teacher, but also as many Tasmanians would also remember her, as a great Tasmanian writer and commentator."