Of several people seen as likely prime ministers of Australia who didn’t make it, Bill Hayden probably came closest.
Early in 1983, many Australians thought Hayden would lead Labor back to power at the next election. Most Labor MPs, however, believed the best way to ensure victory was to replace Hayden with Bob Hawke. Malcolm Fraser’s Coalition government feared this.
As social security minister from 1972, Hayden led the bitter fight for Medibank. As Whitlam’s third treasurer in 1975, he restored credibility to the government’s economic policies. As Labor leader after the party’s defeat in 1977, he restored party morale, established themes of economic responsibility and laid the foundations for the prices and incomes accord.Two great influences were his early home life and the Great Depression.
John Stuart Mill was an influence, and Hayden was to move from democratic socialism to social democracy. Whitlam’s leadership gave Labor a purposeful thrust, and Hayden joined the drive for a reforming government. “The most fulfilling, exciting days in my life were with Whitlam,” Hayden said, although he wished he and Whitlam had teamed up earlier over the economy. Later he defended John Kerr over the governor-general’s sacking of the Whitlam government, although he thought Kerr should have allowed longer for the political process to work itself out.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Good craftsman’ Bill Hayden did all but become PMOf several people seen as likely prime ministers of Australia who didn’t make it, Bill Hayden probably came closest.
Read more »
‘Good craftsman’ Bill Hayden did all but become PMOf several people seen as likely prime ministers of Australia who didn’t make it, Bill Hayden probably came closest.
Read more »
Vale Bill Hayden, a complex high achiever who helped shape AustraliaMoody and often difficult, Bill Hayden nevertheless played a major role in ushering in post-war reform, including the opening up of the economy, Medicare and Australia’s engagement with Asia.
Read more »
Bill Hayden hailed as architect of Medicare, 're-shaper' of post-war Labor by Albanese, KeatingThe Labor luminary, who brought in universal healthcare and the single mother's pension under the Whitlam government, has died aged 90.
Read more »
Bill Hayden dies aged 90Former governor-general Bill Hayden has died aged 90.
Read more »