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1982 Video Flashback: Fraser Challenged by Peacock; Cain Labor Government Takes Office in Victoria

This video is a recording of the ABC News in Melbourne on Thursday, April 8, 1982.

On that day, Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, in office for 6 years and 5 months, beat off a challenge from his former Foreign Minister, Andrew Peacock. Fraser defeated Peacock by 54 votes to 27 in the Liberal partyroom. Treasurer John Howard was chosen as deputy leader, replacing Phillip Lynch.

The challenge to Fraser had been brewing for some time but was brought to a head by the defeat of the 27-year-old Liberal government in Victoria on April 3. On this day, the John Cain ministry was sworn into office, the first Labor government since John Cain snr in 1955.

Watch the news item (8m):


Labor Governments Rare In Victoria

Steve Bracks will become a member of a small group of Labor Premiers of Victoria when he takes the oath of office on October 20.

Only 6 people – five men and one woman – have been Labor Premiers since Victoria achieved responsible government in 1856.

Labor governments have taken office in Victoria for a total of only 19 years, 3 months and 14 days during this century. [Read more…]


John Cain Draws A Line In The Sand In Speech To ALP State Conference

The Victorian Labor Premier, John Cain, was under siege in June 1990 as his government struggled under the weight of economic crises.

Cain had been premier for eight years, having won elections in 1982, 1985 and 1988. At the June State Conference of the ALP, he effectively drew a line in the sand over the party’s attitude towards his government. [Read more…]


John Cain Claims Victory In Victoria; Third Consecutive Win For Labor

This is audio of Victorian Labor Premier John Cain claiming victory in the 1988 state election.

Cain led Labor to its third consecutive victory, having previously won in 1982 and 1985. He stood down in 1990 and was replaced by Joan Kirner, who led the party to defeat in 1992.

Cain is Victorian Labor’s longest-serving Premier.

  • Listen to Cain (4m)