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1993 Federal Election: Final Day Video

Mar 12, 1993

The 1993 Federal election ended with uncertainty about the outcome.

Most commentators were pessimistic about Labor’s chances in the election. They foresaw an end to Paul Keating’s prime ministership and an unlosable election for John Hewson.

This video is an episode of the ABC’s Lateline on Thursday, March 11, 1993. Compered by Kerry O’Brien, it reviews the campaign and features a discussion between Sydney Morning Herald columnist Alan Ramsey, ANOP pollster Rod Cameron and social researcher Hugh Mackay.

The following videos are all from Friday, March 12, 1993. They show the emerging doubt as opinion polls began to show a comeback for the ALP.

The election eventually resulted in an ALP victory. Its primary vote increased 5.49% to 44.92%. Its two-party-preferred vote increased 1.54% to 51.44%. Keating improved his majority in the House of Representatives with a net gain of 2 seats, defeating the Coalition by 80 seats to 67, with 2 independents.

  • Channel 10 Melbourne News – 5pm:


  • Channel 9 Melbourne News – 6pm:


  • Alan Sunderland – SBS Dateline:


  • An embarrassing attempt at satire – not sure what channel this was on:


  • Clarke & Dawe on Channel 9’s A Current Affair:


  • The 7.30 Report: Paul Lyneham sums up and assorted commentators opine:

 

Filed Under: 1993 Federal Election, Keating, Video Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

As Election Day Nears, Paul Keating Addresses The National Press Club

Mar 11, 1993

With his government struggling in the polls, Prime Minister Paul Keating appeared at the National Press Club on March 11, 1993, two days before the federal election.

Keating’s address is notable for its focus on Opposition Leader John Hewson’s Fightback! plan, particularly its 15% Goods and Services Tax. But Keating’s attack on Hewson is broader than just the GST. He talks of industrial relations, Medicare and a host of other policies. The address is a masterclass in Keating’s ability to construct a cohesive story around a disparate range of policies.

Keating also attacks Hewson for refusing to appear at the Press Club, breaking what was then a 20-year election tradition. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 1993 Federal Election, A.L.P., Audio, Economy, GST, Industrial Relations, Keating, Video Tagged With: , , , , ,

Keating Still Confident In Final Week Of Election Campaign

Mar 09, 1993

On March 9, 1993, it appeared that Paul Keating was heading for defeat in the Federal Election.

This news report, shown on the ABC’s 7pm television bulletin, captures the mood of those final days.

Outwardly, Keating is confident and pulling out all stops. Sections of the ALP, especially in Queensland, are worried about the polls.

The Liberals believe they are on the verge of a famous victory and an end to ten years of Labor government under Hawke and Keating. Opposition Leader John Hewson is holding public rallies around the country and chanting slogans.

Four days later, the ALP increased its primary vote, its two-party-preferred vote and its majority in the House of Representatives. Keating had his true believers victory.

Look for future Treasurer Wayne Swan standing next to Queensland Premier Wayne Goss, and future Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu at a public rally with John Hewson.


Filed Under: 1993 Federal Election, A.L.P., Economy, GST, Keating, Video Tagged With: , , , , ,

Liberal Party Video: Fightback!

Jan 15, 1993

The Liberal Leader of the Opposition, Dr. John Hewson, released his Fightback! policy in November 1991.

The centrepiece of the plan was a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Prime Minister Bob Hawke responded clumsily to Fightback! and this contributed to his toppling by Paul Keating in December 1991.

Negative reaction to Fightback! led to Hewson removing food from the GST and relaunching Fightback! in December 1992. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 1993 Federal Election, Audio, GST, Liberal Party, Video Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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