The Hawke government, led by Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, was a remarkable achievement in Australian political history. It was a period of strong reformist momentum, discipline, and coherence, which set a gold standard for governance. Here's why it was so successful, according to the author, who was a part of the action:
Leadership Excellence: Bob Hawke was an exceptional leader with four key strengths: crafting a grand narrative, connecting with people, operating collegially, and maintaining personal and institutional discipline. His ability to make others warm to him was a significant asset, and his consultative style fostered mutual respect and commitment among cabinet members.
Policy Coherence: The government's essence was a balance between dry economic policy, compassionate social policy, and liberal internationalism. They never let politics drown good policy, especially in economic matters. This approach allowed them to sell wage restraint, deregulation, and tough economic reforms to the wider community, emphasizing the "social wage" through health, education, and superannuation gains.
Avoiding Dysfunction: Hawke was determined to avoid the dysfunction of the Whitlam government. Good cabinet processes, including prior consultation with relevant portfolios and interests, were rigorously followed. This ensured that outcomes were not stitched up in advance, and the government navigated the global financial crisis with a small inner group bypassing traditional cabinet processes.
Debate and Argument: The government operated on the basis of argument rather than authority. They debated everything fiercely and did not succumb passively to leadership authority. This fostered a robust internal environment where the prime minister was first among equals, but only just.
Respecting Public Service: The government listened to and consulted with relevant stakeholders, including the public service, on every major policy issue. They respected and welcomed the advice of the public service, not just in policy implementation but in conceptualization and design.
Effective Communication: Hawke and Keating were outstanding communicators who explained and argued the case for everything they did. They ensured that major opinion-moulders knew what they were trying to do, why, and how. This approach helped them address public concerns and shape public opinion.
The author reflects on the challenges of replicating the Hawke government's success today, including 24/7 media pressures, populist sentiment, and a more complex political landscape. However, they emphasize the importance of learning from the past to consolidate a functional liberal democracy and address the concerns of the disaffected.
