Six Reasons Bob Hawke's Government Set Australia's Gold Standard
In a bold assessment, former attorney general Gareth Evans argues that the Hawke government of 1983-91, along with the subsequent Keating government until 1996, represents the gold standard in Australian political leadership. While the Howard-led Coalition government from 1996 to 2007 has its admirers, primarily for its longevity, it often lacked the excitement, depth of talent, and range of achievements that characterized the Hawke era.
The success of the Hawke period was not due to an absence of internal tensions, which included clashes between older and younger members and strong personalities with competing ambitions. Instead, it thrived because these tensions were effectively managed through mutual respect among cabinet members and a steadfast commitment to common goals, which curbed self-indulgent political behavior.
1. Quality of Leadership – The Prime Minister Himself
Bob Hawke possessed four exceptional strengths: his ability to craft a grand narrative, connect with people, operate collegiately, and maintain personal and institutional discipline. His leadership was crucial in selling wage restraint, deregulation, and tough economic reforms by persuading the party and public that education, health, and superannuation reforms provided a compensating social wage.
Hawke's consultative style, including his enthusiasm for summits with major interest groups, fostered respect even when consensus was not achieved. Internally, he allowed ministers to operate independently as long as they aligned with the government's collective vision. The partnership with Paul Keating, who brought strategic direction and unparalleled communication skills, was instrumental in maintaining reformist momentum.
2. We Never Let Politics Drown Good Policy
The Hawke government balanced dry economic policy with compassionate social policy and liberal internationalist foreign policy. The social wage, delivered through health, education, and superannuation gains, was central to selling tough reforms. This approach ensured that politics did not overshadow sound policy decisions, particularly in economic matters.
3. Determination to Avoid Dysfunction
Hawke was committed to avoiding the dysfunction seen in the Whitlam government by adhering to rigorous cabinet processes, including prior consultation with all relevant portfolios. Decisions were made collectively, without pre-arranged outcomes, fostering a functional governing environment that contrasted with later administrations.
4. We Debated Everything
Internally, the government operated on argument rather than authority, with fierce debates reflecting strong views. Hawke was first among equals, encouraging a culture where leadership authority was not passively accepted, promoting robust discussion and decision-making.
5. We Welcomed the Advice of the Public Service
The government actively consulted stakeholders on major policy issues, starting with early summits. It respected and utilized public service advice in policy conceptualization and design, with many public servants seconded to ministerial offices, ensuring a balanced approach to governance.
6. We Explained and Argued the Case
Both Hawke and Keating were outstanding communicators who relentlessly explained the rationale behind government actions. They engaged with opinion-molders and used feedback from focus groups as a starting point for public argument, not an endpoint, ensuring transparency and public understanding.
While today's political environment presents new challenges, such as 24/7 media pressures and populist sentiments, the principles of quality leadership, clear philosophy, decent governing processes, internal contestability, consultative style, and effective communication remain vital for functional liberal democracy in Australia.
