Former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke passed away yesterday. His health had been in decline since late last year. However, this did not stop him from campaigning for the Labor Party as the country he led for 8 years is set to vote tomorrow. He was 89.
Hawke was Australia's longest serving Labor Prime Minister and third longest overall after Robert Menzies and John Howard. He is best remembered for the establishment of Medicare. Hawke's passing is a reminder to many Australians of greater political stability. Since John Howard's defeat in late 2007, Australia has had five Prime Ministers none of whom were able to serve an entire term. The last Labor government saw Julia Gillard oust Kevin Rudd only for Rudd to oust Gillard. Unfortunately, the Liberals have been no better starting with Tony Abbott, who was ousted by Malcolm Turnbull who in turn was ousted last August by Scott Morrison.
While it's true Hawke himself was the victim of a leadership spill by Paul Keating back in 1991, Hawke had been elected four times. The former rivals finally buried the hatchet and rejoined forces earlier this month to put their political weight behind current Labor Party leader Bill Shorten. This rapprochement and Hawke's passing might very well bring Labor back to power.
Australians of a certain age will also miss Hawke's carefree ways. With his trade unionist background and the ability to enjoy a drink and charm women, Hawke made headlines outside of Australia in 1974 when he managed to coax Frank Sinatra to issue a statement of regret after referring to female journalists as hookers. Sinatra's statement raised the ire of the trade unions who refused to provide lighting or sound for his shows and the transport workers unions who wouldn't let him fly out of the country without an apology. Bob Hawke's charm and a bottle of brandy did the trick. He governed Australia in much the same manner and with a great deal of success. Whoever is elected tomorrow would be wise to take a few notes. R.I.P.
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