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home / archives / politics / australian / federal / bob hawke / 24th August 1988

Higher resolution version available: click on image to download.

 

Distractions!

Prime Minister Bob Hawke supports Treasurer Paul Keating in the bringing down of the 1988 Federal Labor Budget. The excise on beer had been reduced however the wholesale tax was increased by 20%.

Liberal Opposition Leader John Howard had outlined his 'One Australia' Policy on Immigration. Fearing that racial intolerance internally as well would be the result, three Liberal Party members, Ian MacPhee, Steele Hall and Phillip Ruddock crossed the floor and voted with the Labor Party on a Parliamentary Motion to reject a racial basis for Australia's choice of migrants.

In case anyone is wondering, the "Canberra" under the signature is because Jeff was in the Canberra 'Lock-up' where journalists are put into secure premises so they can preview the Federal Budget. They remain there until the Budget Paper is presented to Parliament.