Hawke Government: 1986
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The
year began with the Australian dollar rising to US71.55 the highest value in
five months and continued to rise against other currencies. Problems in the
agricultural sector saw Prime Minister Hawke meeting with farm leaders in
Perth followed by visits to farms in NSW to see firsthand the range of
problems faced.
Joan Child was elected the first woman Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the Australian Act gave the country full independence
from Britain while still retaining its Commonwealth membership and the Queen
as its sovereign head of state.
Lindy Chamberlain was released from gaol and Northern Territory Attorney
General announced an inquiry into the murder case. A fall in the price of
petrol was announced by the government and Pope John Paul II visits
Australia.
JANUARY
‘Dollar heads past 71 cents’ McKay, Angela
Australian Financial Review, January 23, 1986 page 1,4
‘Clashes as farm lobby tackles PM’ McGeough, Paul
Sydney Morning Herald, January 28, 1986 page 1
‘Angry farmers force Hawke to flee rally’ Australian, January 28, 1986 page 1
Farmers and place clashed violently in a Perth hotel while the Prime Minister and farm leaders meet to discuss problems in the agricultural sector. The Prime Minister later cut short an address to farmers after persistent interjections
FEBRUARY
‘A tireless worker is rewarded and another milestone is reached’ Humphries, David
The Age, February 11, 1986 page 9: The Speakers vacancy in he House of Representatives became vacant with the resignation of Dr. Harry Jenkins and Joan Child is elected as the first woman speaker in this house creating a wonderful milestone.
‘Petrol cut aimed at lowering CPI’ Kelly, Paul
The Australian, February 25, 1986 page 2: The government announces that petrol prices will fall by 5.1 cents a litre in response to the government’s decision to reduce the price of Australian produced crude oil as a result of a fall in the price of world oil.
MARCH
Third anniversary of the Hawke Government
In his address at the National Press Club on the third anniversary of his government the Prime Minister announced that he would be holding talks with President Ronald Reagan concerning the impact of the recent United States farm legislation on Australian agriculture.
‘PM to press Reagan on farm aid’ Gratton, Michelle
The Age, March 6, 1986 page 1,10
Halley's Comet arrives
The predicted regular appearance of Halley's Comet, named for the English astronomer Edmund Halley, came to pass in March-April 1986. Prime At the time Prime Minister, Bob Hawke and Treasurer Paul Keating were facing a growing deficit in the national economy.
Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr Lho Shinyong
Korea visits Prime Minister Hawke
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Prime
Minister Hawke with Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr Lho Shinyong,
Korea, March 10, 1986Photograph courtesy of the National Library of Australia |
APRIL
17th April: With his image in Australia starting to fade Bob Hawke makes his second visit to the United States as Prime Minister of Australia
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Prime Minister Hawke with US Secretary of Defence, Casper Weinberger
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Prime Minister Hawke with US Secretary of Defence,
Casper Weinberger April 11, 1986 Photograph courtesy of the National Library of Australia |
Prime Minister Hawke with US President George Bush, Washington DC
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Prime Minister Hawke with US President George Bush,
Washington DC April 1986 |
Prime Minister Bob Hawke met with President George Bush and was reported to say. ‘I'm pleased to meet with Prime Minister Bob Hawke today, although I was somewhat disappointed he didn't bring the America's Cup with him. Prime Minister Hawke is a personal friend and a valued counselor, and I can't overstate the value America attaches to its relationship with Australia, especially as that nation now approaches a very special year. We look forward to participating in the festivities of Australia's 1988 bicentennial.’
JULY
ALP National Conference
AUGUST
Sugar sales to China
US President Ronald Reagan delighted at U.S. sugar sales to China which
leaves Australia's Prime Minister Bob Hawke looking forlorn at Australian
sugar export prospects.
Prime Minister Bob Hawke unveiled a plaque at the foundation for the Australian national Maritime Museum building. To be constructed by the Darling Harbour Authority, designed by Australian architect Philip Cox, construction and staff recruitment was led by Interim Director Sergio Sergi.
A Budget impression...
Prime Minister Bob Hawke 'presents' his Picasso style portrait of his Treasurer Paul Keating and his just presented 1986 budget. At the time Picasso's 'Weeping Woman' had been stolen from The National Gallery of Victoria. The painting was later found unharmed in a locker at Spencer Street Station in Melbourne.
OCTOBER
Presentation of the Australian Peace Awards
The Lodge, Canberra
NOVEMBER
Prime Minister Hawke with wife Hazel Hawke and Pope John Paul II
Parliament House, Canberra
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Prime Minister Hawke with wife Hazel Hawke and Pope
John Paul II Parliament House, Canberra, Australia November 1986 Photo courtesy of the Vatican |
Visit to Australia by Pope John Paul II, Parliament House, Canberra
Related Links
Overseas Visits and Speeches
Europe and Washington
Japan, China and the Philippines