Australian Federal Election
March 5, 1983
The 1983 election brought to an end 7 years of coalition government and ushered in the first of 5 successive election wins for the ALP.
The coalition government led by Malcolm Fraser had to contend with a parlous economic situation with high inflation and high unemployment. The nation had seen an increase in industrial disputation and many rural areas were gripped by drought.
In the previous year, Fraser had fought off a leadership challenge from Andrew Peacock, who had resigned from the Cabinet citing Fraser's "manic determination to get his own way", a phrase Fraser had himself used when he resigned from the Gorton ministry in 1971.
A by-election in Flinders in December 1982, occasioned by the retirement of Phillip Lynch, had seen an unexpected victory by the Liberal candidate, Peter Reith. Emboldened by this success Fraser opted for an early double dissolution election. On the day he called the election, the ALP replaced its leader, Bill Hayden, with Bob Hawke. Moves against Hayden had begun in earnest over the Christmas holiday period. Stoically accepting his removal, Hayden claimed that a "drover's dog" could lead the ALP to victory.
Video Archives
- Fraser Calls Early Election - The most dramatic day in Australian politics since the Dismissal ended with Bob Hawke replacing Bill Hayden as ALP leader and Malcolm Fraser facing a popular new opponent in a double dissolution election. Even the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, made Fraser justify his decision to dissolve both houses. When the election was finally official, Fraser held a press conference.
Sound Archives
Famous Lines
Policy Speeches
ALP Advertisements
Liberal Advertisements
National Party
Electoral Commission
How to Cast a Formal Vote - Prior to the 1984 electoral reforms, advice on how to cast a formal ballot was less comprehensive that it is now. Telcast February 28, 1983.
Final Television Broadcasts - March 2, 1983
ALP Returns To Government - March 5, 1983
Election Results
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