The ALP Leader of the Opposition, Bob Hawke, appeared at the National Press Club on March 2, 1983, just three days before he won the Federal election.
It has long been an election tradition in Australia that the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition address the Press Club and take questions from journalists in the final week of an election campaign.
In retrospect, Hawke’s appearance is very interesting. He was at ease. There is an easy humour to his demeanour and responses. His rapport with the media is obvious. There is an expectation that he will win the election. Many of the issues raised are similar to those that arise in every election.
What seems remarkable three decades later is that the Channel 10 evening news devoted 15 minutes to reporting Hawke’s appearance in detail. It is impossible to imagine that happening now.
- Listen to the Channel 10 report (15m)
- Watch the report:
