Last updated on January 27, 2024
In the year following the Dismissal of the Whitlam government, there was frequent speculation about the political intentions of Bob Hawke, the leader of the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
Hawke was also National President of the ALP. Rumours abounded about the seat he would contest in order to enter parliament.
On September 14, 1976, The Australian newspaper editorialised in favour of Hawke remaining with the ACTU.
Hawke ultimately decided not to enter parliament at the next election, but in 1980 he sought preselection for the Melbourne seat of Wills. He entered parliament in the October 1980 federal election and was immediately appointed to the shadow ministry. He became leader of the party just 2 years and 3 months later, becoming prime minister at the March 1983 election.
