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Bob Hawke: Demons and Destiny - The Definitive Biography

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Bob Hawke, Former Prime Minister Of Australia Bob Hawke: Demons And Destiny

Bob Hawke: Demons and Destiny

by Troy Bramston

4.4 out of 5

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Robert James Lee Hawke AC GCL (9 December 1929 – 16 May 2019) was an Australian politician who served as the 23rd prime minister of Australia from 1983 to 1991. He was the leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) from 1983 to 1991. Hawke was born in BFree Downloadtown, South Australia, and studied economics and law at the University of Western Australia. He worked as a trade union official before entering politics. Hawke was elected to the House of Representatives in 1980.

Hawke became Prime Minister in 1983 after the ALP won a landslide victory at the 1983 federal election. He led the ALP to victory at the 1984 and 1987 federal elections. Hawke's government introduced a number of significant reforms, including the of Medicare, a universal health care system, and the floating of the Australian dollar. Hawke also played a key role in the international community, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hawke resigned as Prime Minister in 1991. He was succeeded by Paul Keating. Hawke remained active in public life after leaving office. He died in Sydney in 2019 at the age of 89.

Early Life and Career

Bob Hawke was born in BFree Downloadtown, South Australia, on 9 December 1929. His father was a Methodist minister and his mother was a schoolteacher. Hawke was educated at Perth Modern School and the University of Western Australia, where he studied economics and law.

After graduating from university, Hawke worked as a trade union official. He became the General Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in 1969. As ACTU General Secretary, Hawke played a key role in the development of the Prices and Incomes Accord, which was a voluntary agreement between the government and the trade unions to limit wage increases.

Political Career

Hawke entered politics in 1980 when he was elected to the House of Representatives as the member for Wills. He became Leader of the Opposition in 1983.

The ALP won a landslide victory at the 1983 federal election, and Hawke became Prime Minister. He led the ALP to victory at the 1984 and 1987 federal elections.

Hawke's government introduced a number of significant reforms, including the of Medicare, a universal health care system, and the floating of the Australian dollar. Hawke also played a key role in the international community, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hawke resigned as Prime Minister in 1991. He was succeeded by Paul Keating.

Later Life and Legacy

Hawke remained active in public life after leaving office. He was a member of the board of the Asia Society and the International Crisis Group. He also wrote several books, including his autobiography, The Hawke Memoirs.

Hawke died in Sydney in 2019 at the age of 89. He is remembered as one of Australia's most successful and popular prime ministers.

Demons and Destiny

Bob Hawke was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant politician who achieved great things, but he also had his flaws. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he had a volatile temper.

Hawke's demons were always present, but he was able to overcome them and achieve his goals. He was a man of great courage and determination.

Hawke's legacy is mixed. He is remembered as one of Australia's most successful prime ministers, but he is also remembered for his personal flaws.

Bob Hawke: Demons and Destiny

by Troy Bramston

4.4 out of 5