Bob Hawke

Description

Robert James Lee Hawke (1929-2019). Charismatic Union Leader after a Rhodes scholarship in Oxford. Parliament in 1980, Prime Minister in 1983. Oversaw a major turning point in Australian history economically and socially. Floated the dollar and deregulated the financial system. Kept the unions in line whist tackling inflation. Revised taxation policy. Introduced a range of social and welfare reforms. Won three successive electoral victories before being deposed by Paul Keating. A colourful life of cricket, drinking and liaisons. Cheered on with the rest of the country during the America’s Cup victory. Died aged 89.