Paul Keating: Difference between revisions

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	==Rising star==		==Rising star==

	Keating grew up in ], a working-class suburb of ]. He was one of four children of Matt Keating, a boilermaker and trade union representative of Irish-Catholic descent. Keating was educated at Catholic schools: he was the first practising Catholic ~~to lead the~~ ] since ] ~~retired~~ in ]. Leaving school at 14, Keating worked as a clerk and then as a research assistant for a trade union. He joined the Labor Party as soon as he was eligible.		Keating grew up in ], a working-class suburb of ]. He was one of four children of Matt Keating, a boilermaker and trade union representative of Irish-Catholic descent. Keating was educated at Catholic schools: he was the first practising Catholic ] Prime Minister since ] left office in ]. Leaving school at 14, Keating worked as a clerk and then as a research assistant for a trade union. He joined the Labor Party as soon as he was eligible.

	Through the unions Keating met influential figures such as ], ] and ], and also developed a friendship with former ] Labor Premier ], then in his 90s. Keating met Lang to discuss politics on a weekly basis for some time, and in ] succeeded in having Lang's Labor Party membership restored. Using his extensive contacts, Keating gained Labor endorsement for the seat of Blaxland in the western suburbs of Sydney, and was elected to the House of Representatives at the ] election, at the age of 25.		Through the unions Keating met influential figures such as ], ] and ], and also developed a friendship with former ] Labor Premier ], then in his 90s. Keating met Lang to discuss politics on a weekly basis for some time, and in ] succeeded in having Lang's Labor Party membership restored. Using his extensive contacts, Keating gained Labor endorsement for the seat of Blaxland in the western suburbs of Sydney, and was elected to the House of Representatives at the ] election, at the age of 25.
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	==Reforming Treasurer==		==Reforming Treasurer==

	When Hawke won the March ] elections, Keating became Treasurer (finance minister), a post which he held until 1991. After a shaky start Keating mastered economic policy and was soon acknowledged as the driving political force behind many of the macroeconomic reforms of the Hawke government, including floating the Australian dollar, substantial cuts in tariffs, and reforms of taxation. In ], Keating proposed a ] (known in Australia as the ] or GST), an option seriously debated before being dropped by Hawke, in the belief that the idea would be highly unpopular in the electorate.		When Hawke won the March ] elections, Keating became Treasurer (finance minister), a post which he held until ]. After a shaky start Keating mastered economic policy and was soon acknowledged as the driving political force behind many of the macroeconomic reforms of the Hawke government, including floating the Australian dollar, substantial cuts in tariffs, and reforms of taxation. In ], Keating proposed a ] (known in Australia as the ] or GST), an option seriously debated before being dropped by Hawke, in the belief that the idea would be highly unpopular in the electorate.

	Hawke and Keating worked as a successful partnership during the first two terms of the Labor government (]-]), with Hawke playing the statesman and populist leader while Keating was the political attack dog. His range of parliamentary invective was legendary, and successive ] Opposition leaders ] and ] were unable to get the better of him. After the ] election, however, Keating began to feel that it was time for Hawke to make way for him.		Hawke and Keating worked as a successful partnership during the first two terms of the Labor government (]-]), with Hawke playing the statesman and populist leader while Keating was the political attack dog. His range of parliamentary invective was legendary, and successive ] Opposition leaders ] and ] were unable to get the better of him. After the ] election, however, Keating began to feel that it was time for Hawke to make way for him.

	In ], in a famous meeting at ], Hawke and Keating discussed the handover of the leadership to Keating. Hawke agreed in front of witnesses that after the ] election he would resign in Keating's favour. In ], when Hawke reneged on the deal, Keating challenged him for the leadership, but lost. He resigned as Treasurer and publicly declared his leadership ambitions ended (a declaration which he never intended to ~~keep~~). Throughout the rest of 1991, the position of the Hawke government deteriorated under pressure from the poor economy, attacks from the Opposition and constant sniping from Keating and his supporters. In December ] Keating defeated Hawke in a second leadership challenge, and became Prime Minister.		In ], in a famous meeting at ], Hawke and Keating discussed the handover of the leadership to Keating. Hawke agreed in front of witnesses that after the ] election he would resign in Keating's favour. In ], when Hawke reneged on the deal, Keating challenged him for the leadership, but lost. He resigned as Treasurer and publicly declared his leadership ambitions ended (a declaration which few believed and which he never intended to honour). Throughout the rest of ], the position of the Hawke government deteriorated under pressure from the poor economy, attacks from the Opposition and constant sniping from Keating and his supporters. In December ] Keating defeated Hawke in a second leadership challenge, and became Prime Minister.

	==Prime Minister==		==Prime Minister==

	Hawke's undoing had been the policy package unveiled by the new Liberal leader, ]. Known as 'Fightback', it was centred around a GST and included massive industrial relations reforms, sweeping cuts in personal income tax and cuts to government spending, particularly in areas of health and education. Hawke and his new Treasurer, John Kerin, had been unable to counter the electoral appeal of this package. Keating, however, severely damaged Hewson's credibility in a series of set-piece parliamentary encounters.		Hawke's undoing had been the policy package unveiled by the new Liberal leader, ]. Known as "Fightback," it was centred around a GST and included massive industrial relations reforms, sweeping cuts in personal income tax and cuts to government spending, particularly in areas of health and education. Hawke and his new Treasurer, ], had been unable to counter the electoral appeal of this package. Keating, however, severely damaged Hewson's credibility in a series of set-piece parliamentary encounters.

	Nevertheless, the view of most commentators was that ] was "unwinnable" for Labor. The government had been in power for ten years, the economy was in poor shape, the voters did not like Keating's arrogant style, and Hewson was offering a coherent economic policy. Despite all these factors, Keating succeeded in winning back the electorate with a fear campaign on Fightback, and led Labor to an unexpected election victory. Many of the reforms of Fightback were later implemented under the ~~sucessor~~ Liberal government of ].		Nevertheless, the view of most commentators was that ] was "unwinnable" for Labor. The government had been in power for ten years, the economy was in poor shape, the voters did not like Keating's arrogant style, and Hewson was offering a coherent economic policy. Despite all these factors, Keating succeeded in winning back the electorate with a fear campaign on Fightback, and led Labor to an unexpected election victory. Many of the reforms of Fightback were later implemented under the Liberal government of ].

	As Prime Minister, Keating's interests and public perception widened from those of the narrowly focused technocrat he had seemed to be as Treasurer. His agenda included items such as making Australia a republic, achieving reconciliation with Australia's ], and further economic and cultural engagement with Asia. These issues, which came to be known as Keating's "big picture," were highly popular with the tertiary-educated middle class, but failed to capture the aspirations of rural and outer-suburban voters.		As Prime Minister, Keating's interests and public perception widened from those of the narrowly focused technocrat he had seemed to be as Treasurer. His agenda included items such as making Australia a republic, achieving reconciliation with Australia's ], and further economic and cultural engagement with Asia. These issues, which came to be known as Keating's "big picture," were highly popular with the tertiary-educated middle class, but failed to capture the aspirations of rural and outer-suburban voters.
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	==Defeat==		==Defeat==

	So long as the Liberals lacked a credible alternative Prime Minister, Keating seemed secure. Hewson was deposed in ] and replaced by ], who failed to make any impression on Keating's standing. But when ] regained the Liberal leadership in early ], many voters responded to his message of social conservatism. A warning signal was the loss of a by-election in ] in ], but Keating failed to change ~~his~~ course.		So long as the Liberals lacked a credible alternative Prime Minister, Keating seemed secure. Hewson was deposed in ] and replaced by ], who failed to make any impression on Keating's standing. But when ] regained the Liberal leadership in early ], many voters responded to his message of social conservatism. A warning signal was the loss of a by-election in ] in ], but Keating failed to change course.

	At the March ] election, Howard led the Liberals to a sweeping victory, ending the longest period of Labor government in Australia's federal history. Keating immediately resigned from Parliament, and kept a low profile as a director of various companies. His marriage ended in divorce not long after he left politics. During the Howard years Keating made occasional speeches bitterly criticising his successor's social policies, but stayed out of Labor Party affairs.		At the March ] election, Howard led the Liberals to a sweeping victory, ending the longest period of Labor government in Australia's federal history. Keating immediately resigned from Parliament, and kept a low profile in retirement as a director of various companies. His marriage ended in divorce not long after he left politics. During the Howard years Keating made occasional speeches bitterly criticising his successor's social policies, but stayed out of Labor Party affairs.

			==First Keating Ministry==

			'''20 December 1991 to 24 March 1993'''

			'''Cabinet'''

			*Hon Paul Keating, MP: Prime Minister
			*Hon ], MP: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Social Justice
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce
			*Senator Hon ], QC: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
			*Hon Dr ], MP: Minister for Trade and Overseas Development (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Social Security (from 27 December 1991). Minister assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, Minister assisting the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (to 27 December 1991).
			*Hon ], MP: Treasurer (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Finance (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Attorney-General
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Employment, Education and Training (to 27 December 1991). Treasurer (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Finance (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Transport and Communications (to 27 December 1991). (see outer Ministry)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Social Security (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Transport and Communications (27 December 1991 to 18 May 1992). Vice-President of the Executive Council (to 18 May 1992)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Defence
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories (from 27 December 1991).
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters. Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support (from 27 May 1992)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Administrative Services
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Primary Industries and Energy
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Resources. Minister for Tourism (from 27 December 1991) (in Cabinet from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (in Cabinet from 27 December 1991). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Northern Australia (from 27 May 1992)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Transport and Communications (from 27 May 1992) (in Cabinet from 27 May 1992)

			Outer ministry:
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Trade and Overseas Development (from 27 December 1991)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs (to 27 May 1992). Minister for Justice (from 27 May 1992)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (see Cabinet)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Aged, Family and Health Services
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Land Transport
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Arts, Tourism and Territories (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Family Support, Minister for Local Government (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Higher Education and Employment Services
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Small Business and Customs (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Small Business, Construction and Customs (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Shipping and Aviation (27 December 1991 to 27 May 1992). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Northern Australia (to 27 May 1992) (see Cabinet)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Local Government (to 27 December 1992). Minister for Arts and Territories (from 27 December 1992). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Resources (see Cabinet)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Reconciliation
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Science and Technology. Minister assisting the Prime Minister (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Consumer Affairs (from 27 May 1992)

			Parliamentary Secretaries:
			*Senator Hon ]: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Security
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Communications (to 27 May 1992). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 27 May 1992)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (to 27 December 1991). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services (from 27 December 1991)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (from 27 December 1991)

			==Second Keating Ministry==

			'''24 March 1993 to 11 March 1996'''

			'''Cabinet'''

			*Hon Paul Keating, MP: Prime Minister. Minister for the Status of Women (28 February 1994 to 25 March 1994).
			*Hon ], MP: Deputy Prime Minister (to 20 June 1995). Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Services (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Housing, Local Government and Human Services (24 December 1993 to 25 March 1994). Minister for Housing and Regional Development (from 25 March 1994)
			*Senator Hon ], QC: Minister for Foreign Affairs
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Defence
			*Hon ], MP: Treasurer (to 24 December 1993)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Finance (to 24 December 1993). Treasurer (from 24 December 1993)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Employment, Education and Training (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Finance (from 24 December 1993). Deputy Prime Minister from 20 June 1995.
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (to 28 February 1994). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women (24 December 1993 to 28 February 1994).
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 24 December 1993)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Trade (to 30 January 1994). Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development (30 January 1994 to 25 March 1994). Minister for Industry, Science and Technology (from 25 March 1994). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Science (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development (to 22 January 1994)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Transport and Communications (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (from 24 December 1993)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Health (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (28 February 1994 to 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Tourism. Minister for Resources (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Communications (24 December 1993 to 30 January 1994). Minister for Communications and the Arts (from 30 January 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Social Security
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for the Arts (to 30 January 1994). Minister for Administrative Services (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Trade (from 30 January 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Industrial Relations. Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Transport (from 24 December 1993)
			*Hon ], MP: Attorney-General (from 27 April 1993)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories (from 25 March 1994) (in Cabinet from 25 March 1994)
			*Dr Hon ], MP: Minister for Human Services and Health, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women (from 25 March 1994)

			'''Outer ministry'''

			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Communications (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Resources (from 24 December 1993)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Development Co-operation and Pacific Island Affairs
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Schools, Vocational Education and Training
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Consumer Affairs
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Family Services. Minister assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women (to 24 December 1993)
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Veterans Affairs, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel (to 25 March 1994) (see Cabinet)
			*Hon ], MP: Assistant Treasurer
			*Hon ], MP: Attorney-General (to 27 April 1993). Minister for Justice
			*Senator Hon ]: Minister for Science and Small Business, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Science (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Small Business, Customs and Construction (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Special Minister of State, Vice-President of the Executive Council (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Administrative Services (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters (from 24 December 1993). Special Minister for State, Vice-President of the Executive Council (from 25 March 1994).
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Defence Science and Personnel (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (from 25 March 1994)

			Parliamentary Secretaries:
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Arts and Administrative Services (to 24 December 1993). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (Status of Women) (24 December 1993 to 25 March 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Security (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer (to 24 December 1993) (see Ministry)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development (to 25 March 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Communications (to 24 December 1993). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industrial Relations and Transport (24 December 1993 to 25 March 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the
			Minister for Transport (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence (to 25 March 1994) (see Ministry)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Security (to 25 March 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Arts and Administrative Services (24 December 1993 to 30 January 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Administrative Services (30 January 1994 to 25 March 1994) (see Ministry)
			*Senator Hon ]: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (Territories) (from 24 December 1993)
			*Hon Dr ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Services and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (to 24 December 1993). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Housing, Local
			Government and Human Services (24 December 1993 to 25 March 1994). Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer (from 24 December 1993)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Housing and Regional Development (from 25 March 1994)
			*Hon ], MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence (from 25 March 1994)

			<br>

	==Further reading==		==Further reading==

Revision as of 09:57, 20 November 2004

File:Pkeating.png

Hon Paul Keating

Paul John Keating (born 18 January 1944), Australian politician and 24th Prime Minister of Australia, took Australian politics by storm first as the reforming Treasurer in the Hawke government, then as the Prime Minister who pulled off an upset victory in the "unwinnable" election of 1993. But in his second term his "big picture" failed to impress an electorate increasingly concerned about economic issues, and he was defeated in a landslide in 1996.

Rising star

Keating grew up in Bankstown, a working-class suburb of Sydney. He was one of four children of Matt Keating, a boilermaker and trade union representative of Irish-Catholic descent. Keating was educated at Catholic schools: he was the first practising Catholic Labor Prime Minister since James Scullin left office in 1932. Leaving school at 14, Keating worked as a clerk and then as a research assistant for a trade union. He joined the Labor Party as soon as he was eligible.

Through the unions Keating met influential figures such as Laurie Brereton, Graeme Richardson and Bob Carr, and also developed a friendship with former New South Wales Labor Premier Jack Lang, then in his 90s. Keating met Lang to discuss politics on a weekly basis for some time, and in 1972 succeeded in having Lang's Labor Party membership restored. Using his extensive contacts, Keating gained Labor endorsement for the seat of Blaxland in the western suburbs of Sydney, and was elected to the House of Representatives at the 1969 election, at the age of 25.

Keating was a backbencher for most of the Whitlam Labor government, but briefly became Minister for Northern Australia in 1975, one of the youngest ministers in Australian history. In the same year, he married Annita van Iersal, a Dutch flight attendant for Alitalia. The Keatings had four children, who spent some of their teenage years in The Lodge, the Prime Minister's official residence in Canberra.

After Labor's defeat in 1975, Keating became an opposition frontbencher, and in 1981 he became president of the New South Wales branch of the party and thus leader of the dominant right-wing faction. As opposition spokesperson on energy, he made a name as an aggressive debater. He initially supported Bill Hayden against Bob Hawke's leadership challenges, partly because he hoped to succeed Hayden himself, but by the end of 1982 he accepted that Hawke would become leader.

Reforming Treasurer

When Hawke won the March 1983 elections, Keating became Treasurer (finance minister), a post which he held until 1991. After a shaky start Keating mastered economic policy and was soon acknowledged as the driving political force behind many of the macroeconomic reforms of the Hawke government, including floating the Australian dollar, substantial cuts in tariffs, and reforms of taxation. In 1985, Keating proposed a value-added tax (known in Australia as the goods and services tax or GST), an option seriously debated before being dropped by Hawke, in the belief that the idea would be highly unpopular in the electorate.

Hawke and Keating worked as a successful partnership during the first two terms of the Labor government (1983-87), with Hawke playing the statesman and populist leader while Keating was the political attack dog. His range of parliamentary invective was legendary, and successive Liberal Opposition leaders Andrew Peacock and John Howard were unable to get the better of him. After the 1987 election, however, Keating began to feel that it was time for Hawke to make way for him.

In 1988, in a famous meeting at Kirribilli House, Hawke and Keating discussed the handover of the leadership to Keating. Hawke agreed in front of witnesses that after the 1990 election he would resign in Keating's favour. In 1991, when Hawke reneged on the deal, Keating challenged him for the leadership, but lost. He resigned as Treasurer and publicly declared his leadership ambitions ended (a declaration which few believed and which he never intended to honour). Throughout the rest of 1991, the position of the Hawke government deteriorated under pressure from the poor economy, attacks from the Opposition and constant sniping from Keating and his supporters. In December 1991 Keating defeated Hawke in a second leadership challenge, and became Prime Minister.

Prime Minister

Hawke's undoing had been the policy package unveiled by the new Liberal leader, Dr John Hewson. Known as "Fightback," it was centred around a GST and included massive industrial relations reforms, sweeping cuts in personal income tax and cuts to government spending, particularly in areas of health and education. Hawke and his new Treasurer, John Kerin, had been unable to counter the electoral appeal of this package. Keating, however, severely damaged Hewson's credibility in a series of set-piece parliamentary encounters.

Nevertheless, the view of most commentators was that the 1993 election was "unwinnable" for Labor. The government had been in power for ten years, the economy was in poor shape, the voters did not like Keating's arrogant style, and Hewson was offering a coherent economic policy. Despite all these factors, Keating succeeded in winning back the electorate with a fear campaign on Fightback, and led Labor to an unexpected election victory. Many of the reforms of Fightback were later implemented under the Liberal government of John Howard.

As Prime Minister, Keating's interests and public perception widened from those of the narrowly focused technocrat he had seemed to be as Treasurer. His agenda included items such as making Australia a republic, achieving reconciliation with Australia's indigenous population, and further economic and cultural engagement with Asia. These issues, which came to be known as Keating's "big picture," were highly popular with the tertiary-educated middle class, but failed to capture the aspirations of rural and outer-suburban voters.

Keating interpreted his 1993 election win as a mandate to pursue his "big picture" agenda, and was encouraged in this by the intellectual classes of Sydney and Melbourne, who adopted Keating as a hero. But Keating failed to notice that the working-class and regional voters were more concerned about the sluggish economy, and were also reacting badly to Keating's stress on Australian involvement with Asia.

Defeat

So long as the Liberals lacked a credible alternative Prime Minister, Keating seemed secure. Hewson was deposed in 1994 and replaced by Alexander Downer, who failed to make any impression on Keating's standing. But when John Howard regained the Liberal leadership in early 1995, many voters responded to his message of social conservatism. A warning signal was the loss of a by-election in Canberra in 1995, but Keating failed to change course.

At the March 1996 election, Howard led the Liberals to a sweeping victory, ending the longest period of Labor government in Australia's federal history. Keating immediately resigned from Parliament, and kept a low profile in retirement as a director of various companies. His marriage ended in divorce not long after he left politics. During the Howard years Keating made occasional speeches bitterly criticising his successor's social policies, but stayed out of Labor Party affairs.

First Keating Ministry

20 December 1991 to 24 March 1993

Cabinet

Hon Paul Keating, MP: Prime Minister
Hon Brian Howe, MP: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Social Justice
Senator Hon John Button: Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce
Senator Hon Gareth Evans, QC: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade
Hon Dr Neal Blewett, MP: Minister for Trade and Overseas Development (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Social Security (from 27 December 1991). Minister assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce, Minister assisting the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (to 27 December 1991).
Hon Ralph Willis, MP: Treasurer (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Finance (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Michael Duffy, MP: Attorney-General
Hon John Dawkins, MP: Minister for Employment, Education and Training (to 27 December 1991). Treasurer (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Kim Beazley, MP: Minister for Finance (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 27 December 1991)
Hon John Kerin, MP: Minister for Transport and Communications (to 27 December 1991). (see outer Ministry)
Senator Hon Graham Richardson: Minister for Social Security (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Transport and Communications (27 December 1991 to 18 May 1992). Vice-President of the Executive Council (to 18 May 1992)
Senator Hon Robert Ray: Minister for Defence
Hon Gerry Hand, MP: Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Hon Ros Kelly, MP: Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories (from 27 December 1991).
Senator Hon Peter Cook: Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters. Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support (from 27 May 1992)
Senator Hon Nick Bolkus: Minister for Administrative Services
Hon Simon Crean, MP: Minister for Primary Industries and Energy
Hon Alan Griffiths, MP: Minister for Resources. Minister for Tourism (from 27 December 1991) (in Cabinet from 27 December 1991)
Hon Ben Humphreys, MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (in Cabinet from 27 December 1991). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Northern Australia (from 27 May 1992)
Senator Hon Bob Collins: Minister for Transport and Communications (from 27 May 1992) (in Cabinet from 27 May 1992)

Outer ministry:

Hon John Kerin, MP: Minister for Trade and Overseas Development (from 27 December 1991)
Senator Hon Michael Tate: Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs (to 27 May 1992). Minister for Justice (from 27 May 1992)
Hon Ben Humphreys, MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (see Cabinet)
Hon Peter Staples, MP: Minister for Aged, Family and Health Services
Hon Robert Brown, MP: Minister for Land Transport
Hon David Simmons, MP: Minister for Arts, Tourism and Territories (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Family Support, Minister for Local Government (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Peter Baldwin, MP: Minister for Higher Education and Employment Services
Hon David Beddall, MP: Minister for Small Business and Customs (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Small Business, Construction and Customs (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Gordon Bilney, MP: Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Senator Hon Bob Collins: Minister for Shipping and Aviation Support (to 27 December 1991). Minister for Shipping and Aviation (27 December 1991 to 27 May 1992). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Northern Australia (to 27 May 1992) (see Cabinet)
Hon Wendy Fatin, MP: Minister for Local Government (to 27 December 1992). Minister for Arts and Territories (from 27 December 1992). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women
Hon Alan Griffiths, MP: Minister for Resources (see Cabinet)
Hon Robert Tickner, MP: Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Aboriginal Reconciliation
Hon Ross Free, MP: Minister for Science and Technology. Minister assisting the Prime Minister (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Jeannette McHugh, MP: Minister for Consumer Affairs (from 27 May 1992)

Parliamentary Secretaries:

Senator Hon Bob McMullan: Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
Hon Con Sciacca, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Security
Hon Warren Snowdon, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Communications (to 27 May 1992). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 27 May 1992)
Hon Roger Price, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (to 27 December 1991). Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Laurie Brereton, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Peter Duncan, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney-General (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Gary Johns, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, Housing and Community Services (from 27 December 1991)
Hon Stephen Martin, MP: Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (from 27 December 1991)

Second Keating Ministry

24 March 1993 to 11 March 1996

Cabinet

Hon Paul Keating, MP: Prime Minister. Minister for the Status of Women (28 February 1994 to 25 March 1994).
Hon Brian Howe, MP: Deputy Prime Minister (to 20 June 1995). Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Services (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Housing, Local Government and Human Services (24 December 1993 to 25 March 1994). Minister for Housing and Regional Development (from 25 March 1994)
Senator Hon Gareth Evans, QC: Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Hon Robert Ray: Minister for Defence
Hon John Dawkins, MP: Treasurer (to 24 December 1993)
Hon Ralph Willis, MP: Minister for Finance (to 24 December 1993). Treasurer (from 24 December 1993)
Hon Kim Beazley, MP: Minister for Employment, Education and Training (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Finance (from 24 December 1993). Deputy Prime Minister from 20 June 1995.
Hon Ros Kelly, MP: Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (to 28 February 1994). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women (24 December 1993 to 28 February 1994).
Senator Hon Nick Bolkus: Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Hon Simon Crean, MP: Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Employment, Education and Training (from 24 December 1993)
Senator Hon Peter Cook: Minister for Trade (to 30 January 1994). Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development (30 January 1994 to 25 March 1994). Minister for Industry, Science and Technology (from 25 March 1994). Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Science (from 25 March 1994)
Hon Alan Griffiths, MP: Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development (to 22 January 1994)
Senator Hon Bob Collins: Minister for Transport and Communications (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (from 24 December 1993)
Senator Hon Graham Richardson: Minister for Health (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories (28 February 1994 to 25 March 1994)
Hon Michael Lee, MP: Minister for Tourism. Minister for Resources (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Communications (24 December 1993 to 30 January 1994). Minister for Communications and the Arts (from 30 January 1994)
Hon Peter Baldwin, MP: Minister for Social Security
Senator Hon Bob McMullan: Minister for the Arts (to 30 January 1994). Minister for Administrative Services (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Trade (from 30 January 1994)
Hon Laurie Brereton, MP: Minister for Industrial Relations. Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Transport (from 24 December 1993)
Hon Michael Lavarch, MP: Attorney-General (from 27 April 1993)
Senator Hon John Faulkner: Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories (from 25 March 1994) (in Cabinet from 25 March 1994)
Dr Hon Carmen Lawrence, MP: Minister for Human Services and Health, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women (from 25 March 1994)

Outer ministry

Hon David Beddall, MP: Minister for Communications (to 24 December 1993). Minister for Resources (from 24 December 1993)
Hon Gordon Bilney, MP: Minister for Development Co-operation and Pacific Island Affairs
Hon Robert Tickner, MP: Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
Hon Ross Free, MP: Minister for Schools, Vocational Education and Training
Hon Jeannette McHugh, MP: Minister for Consumer Affairs
Senator Hon Rosemary Crowley: Minister for Family Services. Minister assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women (to 24 December 1993)
Senator Hon John Faulkner: Minister for Veterans Affairs, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel (to 25 March 1994) (see Cabinet)
Hon George Gear, MP: Assistant Treasurer
Hon Duncan Kerr, MP: Attorney-General (to 27 April 1993). Minister for Justice
Senator Hon Chris Schacht: Minister for Science and Small Business, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Science (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Small Business, Customs and Construction (from 25 March 1994)
Hon Frank Walker, MP: Special Minister of State, Vice-President of the Executive Council (to 25 March 1994). Minister for Administrative Services (from 25 March 1994)
Hon Gary Johns, MP: Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Public Service Matters (from 24 December 1993). Special Minister for State, Vice-President of the Executive Council (from 25 March 1994).
Hon Gary Punch, MP: Minister for Defence Science and Personnel (from 25 March 1994)
Hon Con Sciacca, MP: Minister for Veterans' Affairs (from 25 March 1994)