 He was at times associated with right-wing individuals or organisations, advocating nationalism and the need for increased defence spending as part of a "forward defence" strategy, as well as strengthening of the peace-time Army Reserve, the development of inland Australia, opposition to gun control, concerns about the loss of national sovereignty and financial autonomy to the United Nations and International Monetary Fund, and limitations on immigration.While at times a controversial figure, his public reputation remained high and his opinions were rarely the subject of criticism in the media.Serong died of heart disease on 1 October 2002 and was survived by his wife and their three daughters and three sons.