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1994: A Year of Turmoil for the Liberal Party

Five-a-Day

1994 was a year of turmoil for the Liberal Party.

The year began with Dr. John Hewson as leader of the party, despite his defeat at the 1993 federal election, a defeat that delivered Paul Keating a full term and the Labor government a fifth term.

In May, the dam burst and Hewson was replaced by Alexander Downer, with Peter Costello as his deputy. The duo was dubbed “the dream team”.

By the end of the year, Downer’s brief leadership was in a terminal condition and he was replaced by John Howard early in 1995.

Five-a-Day – 1994

February 24, 1994: Hewson moves a censure motion in the House of Representatves (15m)

February 24, 1994: Keating responds to the censure motion (7m)

May 23, 1994: Newly-elected deputy Liberal leader, Peter Costello comments on the new leadership team (20s)

May 23, 1994: John Hewson’s press conference following his defeat in the leadership contest (8m)

May 23, 1994: Prime Minister Keating comments on the Liberal leadership change (15s)


Paul Keating Launches Cabinet Diaries By Gareth Evans With Another Swipe At Bob Hawke

Paul Keating has renewed his attack on Bob Hawke during a speech at the launch of the Cabinet diaries of Gareth Evans.

Keating

Whilst Evans says in his book that Hawke was out of action for about a month in 1984 over his daughter’s drug addiction problems, Keating claimed that Hawke was “asleep” for about five years until 1989. Keating said Hawke failed to “nourish” the government with ideas and leadership.

Keating said Hawke failed to take a lead on Aboriginal land rights in this time: “Bob always cried for Aborigines but he wouldn’t do anything for them.” [Read more…]


Neville Wran’s Last Great Rally: Former NSW Labor Premier Eulogised In Moving State Funeral

On the 38th anniversary of his election as Labor Premier of New South Wales, Neville Wran was farewelled at a State Funeral at the Sydney Town Hall today.

The moving May Day service was addressed by former Prime Minister Paul Keating, former Wran minister Rodney Cavalier, former High Court Justice Michael Kirby and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. Tributes were also paid by Wran’s wife, Jill, and three of his children.

Kirby’s address was the highlight of the day, a perceptive and thoughtful insight into an “enigma”.

Keating described a man who understood power and who had “a PhD in poetic profanity”. Speaking of Wran’s unmatched ability to discern the mood of the electorate, Keating said: “He could hear the ants change step.” [Read more…]


Paul Keating Turns 70

Former Prime Minister Paul Keating turns 70 today.

Keating was 25 when he entered the House of Representatives as the Labor member for Blaxland in October 1969. He was 47 when he became Australia’s 24th prime minister in December 1991. He remained PM until March 1996 when he was defeated by John Howard’s coalition.

Keating

Keating’s first ministerial appointment came in the dying days of the Whitlam government. Following the sacking of Minerals and Energy minister Rex Connor, Keating became Minister for Northern Australia on October 21, 1975, serving for three weeks until the government was dismissed by the Governor-General on November 11. He is the youngest of the eleven surviving ministers of the Whitlam governments. [Read more…]