Prime Minister Bob Hawke announced an early election for December 1, 1984, in a statement to the House of Representatives on Monday, October 8.

Elected in March 1983, Hawke was obliged to call a half-Senate election by June 1985. To avoid a continuation of staggered elections for the House and Senate, the government called an early House election as well.

Text of Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s statement to the House of Representatives.

Mr HAWKE (Prime Minister) —by leave- I wish to advise the House that today I called upon His Excellency the Governor-General and recommended to him that the House of Representatives be dissolved and that a general election for the members of the House of Representatives be held on Saturday, 1 December 1984. His Excellency has accepted my recommendation. Mr Speaker, may I depart from my prepared text and say this to you, sir, and to the House: While His Excellency has authorised me to indicate his acceptance of my recommendation, he will put that in writing and I expect to receive that tomorrow. When I receive his reply in writing I will table the exchange of correspondence between His Excellency and me. [Read more…]