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How Bob Hawke become Prime Minister?
Bob Hawke joined the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) as a research officer in 1956. After a decade serving in that role, Hawke announced his intention to enter politics, and was then elected to the House of Representatives as the Labor MP for Wills in Victoria. Three years later, he led Labor to a landslide victory at the 1983 election and was sworn in as Australia's 23rd Prime Minister. -
Floating the Dollar
The Hawke government deregulated the Australian dollar. Instead of the Reserve Bank determining its value, the international money market set the exchange rate. -
Medicare
The Medicare health scheme began operating. It replaced the Medibank scheme with one financed by a 1 per cent levy on incomes. -
Let us Rejoice
‘Advance Australia Fair’ was proclaimed Australia’s national anthem. This followed a decade of ongoing debate, a national opinion poll in 1974, and a plebiscite in 1977. At the same time, green and gold were proclaimed Australia’s national colours. -
34th federal election
Hawke was re-elected in the 34th federal election. He beat the Liberal opponent Andrew Peacock. -
35th federal election
Hawke retained government in 1987. He beat the Liberal opponent John Howard. -
Industrial Relations Act
Enactment of this law provided for the implementation of the government’s industrial relations reforms. It repealed the Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904 when it came into effect the following year. -
36th federal election
In 1990 Hawke again retained government. His opponent was Andrew Peacock. -
Retiring
Hawke retired after 8 years of being Prime Minister. Hawke is the 3rd longest Prime Minister in Australia and he achieved.