The National Economic Summit was held in Canberra between April 11-14, 1983.
It was the first major initiative of the Hawke Labor government, commencing exactly one month after the new government was sworn in.
The summit brought together business groups, unions and state governments for a four-day discussion about the nation’s economic future. It was part of Hawke’s consensus approach to government.
The video below is a report televised by Channel 9’s Sunday program on April 17, 1983. The program was hosted by Jim Waley and the reporter was the late Andrew Olle. Olle later joined the ABC.
Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s opening speech to the summit is shown below.
- Watch the Sunday report (14m)
