By Greg Blood

ROBERT ‘BOB’ LEE HAWKE AC – AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

23^nd Prime Minister – 1983-1991

Bob Hawke and his government significantly enhanced the federal government’s support for sport through the establishment of the Australian Sports Commission, Australian Sports Drug Agency, Australian Sports Foundation and expansion of the Australian Institute of Sport. Hawke’s genuine interest in sport can be viewed through his government’s long lasting sport system foundations and his lifelong involvement as a player and passionate follower.

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Birth: 9 December 1929, Border Town, SA – Death: 16 May 2019, Sydney, NSW

Political Appointments

• Australian Labor Party National President: 7 June 1973 – 2 August 1978
• Federal Member for Wills, VIC: 18 October 1980 – 20 February 1992
• Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment and Youth Affairs: 17 September 1980 – 3 February 1983
• Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Australian Labor Party:  8 February 1983 – 19 December 1991
• Prime Minister:  11 March 1983 – 20 December 1991

Background

Hawke was born on 9 December in Bordertown, South Australia. His parents were Arthur ‘Clem Hawke, a Congregationalist minister, and his wife Edith Emily (Lee). His older brother Neil died at the age of seventeen in 1939. His parents moved to Perth after death of Neil and his father became a Leederville Congregational Church minister. His uncle Bert Hawke as ALP member was the Western Australian premier from 1953 to 1959.Hawke he attended the West Leederville State School and then won a scholarship to Perth Modern School. In 1952, he graduated from University of Western Australia with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees. In 1953, he won a Rhodes Scholarship to the University College Oxford and completed a Bachelor of Letters. In 1956, he attended Australian National University to complete a doctoral thesis on the basic wage.  He did not complete the doctoral thesis as he moved to take up a research officer position at the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) in Melbourne. Whilst at university in Australia, he became involved in student politics. In 1956, he married Hazel Masterton and they had three children – Susan (born 1957), Stephen (1959) and Roslyn (1961)

In the 1963 federal election, Hawke as an ALP candidate was unsuccessful in his bid to win the Victorian seat of Corio held by Liberal Party’s Hubert Operman, a former champion cyclist.   He was elected as ACTU president in 1969 and held this position until 1980 when he successfully won the Victorian federal seat of Wills.  On 3 February 1983, Hawke became opposition leader after Bill Hayden was pressured to stand down after the ALP’s poor result in the December 1982 Flinders by-election. Hawke led the ALP to a comprehensive victory in the March 1983 federal election.  On 19 December 1991, after four federal election successes, he lost the prime ministership to treasurer Paul Keating 51 to 56 votes and resigned from federal parliament in February 1992.  His marriage to Hazel ended in 1994 and the following year married Blanche d’Alpuget, his biographer.  His post parliamentary career involved a range of business and consultancy roles.

After his ballot defeat, he stated he wanted to be remembered “as a bloke who loves his country, still does, and loves Australians”. [1] In many ways, this statement covered how his love of sport and Australians succeeding in sport, was an important part of his public profile and popularity.

He was a good cricketer in his youth and regularly played tennis and golf in his adult years. The latter two allowed him to develop trade union, business and political friendships. The Hawke government (1983-1991) had the most significant impact on the development of sport in Australia through the expansion of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the establishment of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) and the Australian Sport Drug Agency (ASDA). Federal government investment in sport was significantly increased and this led to improved Australian performances in international sport. In addition, national sports organisations were assisted through programs and advice to improve sport participation.[2]

The extent of his passion for sport was demonstrated through the Not just a fan – Bob Hawke and the language of sport exhibition held in Adelaide in 2024-2025 by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library.[3]

Contents

• Government Policy – Australian Sports Comnmission, Australian Institute of Sport, Australian Sports Foundation, Australian Sports Drug Agency
• Sporting Events – Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, America’s Cup, Australia Games, Bicentennial Sports Events
• South African Sport Restrictions
• National Symbols – National Colours and Anthem
• Sporting Passions – Cricket, Tennis, Golf, Australian Football and Horse Racing
• Sport and Public Profile

Government Policy

Hawke became leader of the opposition 8 February 1983 and prime minister 11 March 1983. The ALP in their period in opposition (December 1975 to March 1983) further developed their sport policies first started under the Whitlam government but abruptly interrupted by the 1975 dismissal.  The Fraser government had continued several of the policy ideas and programs emanating from Whitlam government particularly in establishing the AIS. But the turnover of sport ministers held back the development of a more comprehensive sport policy.  Hartung in The Great Arm Wrestle comprehensively outlines the work undertaken by shadow ministers for sport – Barry Cohen (1977 – 1980) and John Brown (1980 – 1983) in developing a detailed sport policy that was released for 1983 federal election. It included:[4]

• Ministry of sport, recreation and tourism be reestablished.
• National institute of sport is sufficiently funded.
• The formation of a national sports commission to oversee the provision of federal assistance to sport at every level.
• An increased level of funding in the general sports.
• Grants to assist the national sporting associations.
• Investment in international and local sports facilities.
• National inquiry be instituted, aimed at assessing the community’s present and future needs in the provision of passive outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Funding to athletes for international competitions.
• The provision of tax-averaging for sportsmen with short careers in high body contact sports.
• The proper financial support of the proposed biennial Australia Games.

In his election campaign launch at the Sydney Opera House on 16 February 1983, Hawke underscored the ALP’s commitment to sport: [5]

We will ensure, through substantial funding increases, that sport, physical fitness and recreation facilities will be available to all Australians seeking to enjoy them whatever their wealth, ability or level of aspiration. Particular priorities for increased funding will be the National Institute of Sport, sports education in schools, the building of family leisure centres in or near schools and surf life-saving associations.

After being elected on 11 March 1983, John Brown, the shadow sport minister and a close colleague of Hawke, was appointed Sport, Recreation and Tourism minister. Brown’s early tasks were to continue to develop the AIS, establish the ASC, implement tax incentives for sport and to organise the Australia Games. Major legislative decisions undertaken during the Hawke government were:

• Australian Sports Commission Act 1985
• Australian Institute of Sport Act 1986 – AIS moved an incorporated association to a statutory authority.
• Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 that was revised to incorporate AIS functions. Minister Browen stated merger was part of a longer term objective was to establish a single national sport body responsible for the functions of the AIS and ASC drawn together under the new arrangements. [6]
• Australian Sports Drug Agency Act 1990 was an outcome of the Senate Drugs in Sport Inquiry.

In January 1988, Senator Graham Richard was appointed the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories minister after Brown resigned after he misled the House of Representatives in answering a question.

In November 1988, in response to an ASC and AIS submission for additional funding, sport minister Richardson requested the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration to investigate the administration and funding of sport in Australia. The Committee’s first report known as Martin report submitted in March 1989 had three major conclusions:[7] federal government is responsible for high performance sport; there was inadequate funding of high performance sport and there should be improved coordination in funding. In many ways, this outcome explains the reason why future federal governments have directed a high percentage of funding to high performance sport.

In response to the first Martin report, the Hawke government announced the Next Step policy in August 1989 that “was $230 million package over four years and addresses all areas of sport – the elite, coaches, drugs, participation for youth, women and children, sports science and medicine, talent identification and sport for the disabled. The total package represents a funding increase for sport of $100 million for the period from 1989 to 1993.”[8]

In summary, the Hawke government made a significant impact on the development of sport through the establishment of statutory authorities, increased government investment and expanded provision of services to national sports organisations. Three sport ministers led this development – John Brown (1983-1987), Graham Richardson (1988-1990) and Ros Kelly (1990-1994). Brown and Richardson had a strong personal relationship with Hawke and Kelly became friends through their support of the Canberra Raiders. In The Hawke Memoirs, he stated that “John Brown did more for tourism and sport than had been achieved by any previous government”. [9] He noted that treasurer Paul Keating supported him in funding sport against “the philistines in the ERC and cabinet” even though he had no interest in it. [10]

Australian Sports Commission (ASC)

The 1983 The A.L.P. Sport and Recreation Policy led to the Hawke government providing $274,000 in funding to establish an Interim Committee to report of the role, structure and functions of the proposed sports commission. The Interim Committee consisted of – Ted Harris (friend of Hawke from his trade union days) as chair, Herb Elliott, Libby Darlison, Mike Fitzpatrick and Greg Hartung.[11] In September 1984, Hawke and Brown announced the permanent establishment of the ASC with Harris as its inaugural chair and Hartung as general manager. It would have two fundamental objectives: [12]

First, it will increase the level of direct input by the sporting community to the process of defining needs and priorities.

Second, it will have the flexibility and autonomy required to generate additional funds from the private sector, through a Sports Aid Foundation, to supplement funds from the Federal Budget.

Hawke in speech titled ‘Sport. We’re Moving Fast’ during the December 1984 federal election campaign stated:[13]

It is with special pride that I am here today with you to celebrate our achievements in sport. I have deliberately used the word ” our” because I see the progress we are making in sport as very much the outcome of a partnership a partnership between the sporting community and the government. We are privileged to be playing our part in that partnership for the benefit of all Australians whether they be the ” weekend sportsperson” or whether they be one of our high performance athletes pursuing excellence in the sporting arenas of the world. Sport makes an enormous contribution to our society. It is such an intricate part of how we, as Australians, express ourselves as a nation that it would be derelict of any federal government to abrogate its responsibilities in this area.

The Sports Commission will provide the government with a direct link with the sporting community. it has the responsibility of co-ordinating our national sports effort and of advising the government on the best use of available resources.

Included within its charter, the commission will seek to maximise funding for sport from the private sector to supplement funds from the federal budget. It will do this through the establishment of a sports aid foundation which will be included as part of the Australian Sports Commission bill to be introduced in the first session of the new parliament next year. We look forward to a continuing and prosperous partnership with sport.

The ASC was to be set up as a statutory authority and this led the Australian Sports Commission Act 1985 being passed. However, federal parliamentary liberal party and the Confederation of Australian Sport did not support the establishment of the ASC. They argued that it would give the government too much control of sport and add a new level of sport bureaucracy. The legislation was passed in the Senate with the support of the Australian Democrats.

On 27 September 1987, minister Brown announced the merger of the AIS and ASC to “to establish a single national sport body responsible for the functions of the AIS and ASC drawn together under the new arrangements”.[14] The revised Australian Sports Commission Act 1989 came into operation on 1 May 1989 and it incorporated the functions of the AIS and renamed the Australian Sports Aid Foundation to the Australian Sports Foundation.

Besides the allocation of funding to national sports organisations and managing the AIS, the ASC developed programs to support sport participation for children, young adults, women and girls and those with a disability. In The Hawke Memoirs, he made specific mention that women’s sport had been neglected for too long.[15] In 1991, the Australian Coaching Council was transferred to the ASC to improve its inclusion with other ASC programs. These programs assisted national sports organisations in delivering services to their sports.

Whilst the Coalition was against the ASC’s establishment in 1985, it has continued to support its existence whilst in government.

Australian Institute of Sport

The Fraser government opened the AIS on 26 January 1981 but its origins were in the 1975 Whitlam government commissioned report (Coles report)  recommending its establishment.[16] It was no surprise that the ALP’s 1983 sport election policy stated that the “national institute of sport is sufficiently funded to complete its armoury of proposed facilities and accommodation in order to properly service Australia’s young and highly talented elite performers”.[17] Hawke first visited the AIS in Canberra in October 1983 and stated “ No one expects miracles overnight but what we want and expect the Institute to do is to lay the basis for a steady improvement in Australia’s international performance across a wide spectrum of sporting events”. AIS historian John Daly believed Hawke’s comments indicated that the AIS existence may not be permanent, and it would need to be accountable for improved international sporting performances.[18]

The AIS was established as an incorporated association but the Hawke government decided to legislate it as a statutory authority. This decision came about after financial mismanagement by second AIS director John Cheffers that was covered widely in the printed media and parliament and the government’s desire to have greater control of the AIS as it was largely funded by the federal government.[19] The Australian Institute of Sport Act 1986 was passed in late 1986. However, in September 1987 the Hawke government decided to merger the AIS with the ASC.

During the Hawke government, the AIS added to the original eight sports through the addition of new sports programs in Canberra and state capitals – hockey (1984 Perth), diving (1984 Brisbane), squash (1985 Brisbane), rowing and men’s water polo (1985 Canberra), men’s cricket (1987 Adelaide), rugby union (1988 camps based), canoeing (1989 Gold Coast) and men’s road cycling (Canberra). Hawke appears to have a role in having men’s cricket added to the AIS.

The addition of new sports programs led to the Hawke government funding the development of high performance training and associated facilities. These included: Frank Stewart Training Centre (1984 Canberra – $9.790 million), Sports Science and Medicine Building (1985 Canberra – $5 million), AIS Halls of Residence and Administration Building (1985 Canberra – $10.725 million), Rowing Training Facility at Lake Burkey Griffin (1986 Canberra -$250,000) and Sprint Canoeing Training Complex (1989 Gold Coast).  In 1989 through the Next Step policy, the AIS broadened its role by funding intensive training centres in eight sports – basketball, canoeing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, swimming and track and field. In September 1990, the Oceania Olympic Training Centre was established at the AIS in Canberra. Sport minister Kelly and foreign affairs minister Gareth Evans, stated:[20]

Kelly: It is fitting that the Olympic movement has chosen AIS headquarters in Canberra because the AIS is regarded world-wide as one of the finest training facilities and the home of many past and present Olympians in pursuit of excellence.

Evans: Sport is an important part of the culture of these Oceania countries. It is appropriate that such a great sporting nation as Australia is able to share the expertise we have acquired in all areas of sport with these countries.

The AIS prospered during the Hawke government through significant investment and this led to improved Olympic and Commonwealth Games results. These results were acknowledged by Hawke. But it gained greater control of AIS activities by incorporating it into the ASC through legislation.

Australian Sports Foundation

On 13 September 1984, Hawke and Brown issued a joint statement on the day of the first ASC board meeting. The statement highlighted an objective of the ASC would be to:[21]

… generate additional funds from the private sector, through a Sports Aid Foundation, to supplement funds from the Federal Budget. The Foundation will aim to attract additional, private sector resources that can be used to support sports development programs that will benefit all levels of Australian sport, including assistance to Australia’s high performance athletes. The Foundation will provide Australian sport with a valuable extra source of funds to complement Federal Government spending.

This was followed up on 23 November 1984 with Hawke during the 1984 federal election undertaking to providing tax deductibility for donations to an Australian sports aid foundation.”[22] His comments included:[23]

Under present tax deductibility arrangements, sport is discriminated against compared with other areas of leisure activities such as the arts. At present, major sports sponsors can claim advertising costs as deductible tax concessions when they relate to sports promotion but individuals who may wish to promote Australian sport and such individual endeavours as America’s cup challenges and other major sporting events can claim no such deduction.

The provision of tax deductibility would also be important for the success of the proposed sports aid foundation. It is important that sufficiently attractive incentives are made available to maximise donations from individuals and corporations all of which are vital partners with government in the Australian sporting “team”.

In December 1985, the Hawke government stated that it would amend the income tax law to allow deductions for income tax purposes in respect of gifts of $2 or more to the Australian Sports Aid Foundation.[24] The ASC suggested proposed sports aid foundation could assist: The America’s Cup Defence The Australian Olympic Federation, the Commonwealth and Australia Games, and the Australian Institute of Sport.[25] The Australian Sports Commission Act 1985 included the establishment of the Australian Sports Aid Foundation (ASAF):

• The Commission may form a company, to be known as the Australian Sports Aid Foundation, for the purpose of raising money for the development of sport.
• Except to the extent necessary for the performance of its functions in relation to the Commission, the Australian Sports Aid Foundation is not empowered to do anything that the Commission is not empowered to do.

The ASAF was incorporated on 18 February 1986 but changed its name to the Australian Sports Foundation in 1989 as part of the revamped Australian Sports Commission Act 1989.[26] The ASAF activities were funded from the ASC budget. The ASF has been continued by future federal governments.

Australian Sports Drug Agency

In 1985, the National Program on Drugs in Sport was established by the ASC as a result of a 1982 Australian Sports Medicine Federation Survey of Drug Use in Australian sport that found that 5 per cent of Australian athletes used drugs.[27] ABC’s Four Corner’s program in November 1987 titled ‘The Winning Edge’ raised allegations of anabolic steroid use by AIS athletes in track and field and weightlifting and sports outside the AIS. These allegations led in May 1989 to a Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts Committee inquiry chaired by ALP senator John Black into “the use by Australian sportsmen and sportswomen of performances enhancing drugs and the role played by Commonwealth agencies.”[28]The inquiry was covered widely by the media due to serious allegations raised by several athletes and this led to the Hawke government facing many questions regarding the allegations

Sport minister Richardson during the launch of the Next Step Policy in August 1989 stated that the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) would be established as an independent authority.[29] Australian Sports Drugs Agency Act 1990 established ASDA as “a statutory authority with a legally and financially independent basis” and empowered it “to conduct research, select people for drug testing, collect samples, dispatch samples to an IOC accredited laboratory, receive results and report results to appropriate sporting federations and the Australian Sports Commission.”[30]

ASDA became a world leader in the fight against the use of International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned performance enhancing drugs due to this Hawke government decision and remains an important member of the Word Anti-Doping Agency.

Sporting Events

Hawke government like its predecessor the Fraser government supported the investment into major sporting event bids – particularly Olympic and Commonwealth Games. The basis of this support was around economic and tourism benefits, development of major sports facilities and enhancing Australia’s international reputation.

Hawke government assisted the Australian Olympic Federation (AOF) in sending teams to the summer and winter Olympic Games – 1984 (Los Angeles/Sarajevo) and 1988 (Seoul/Calgary) and supported three host city bids – 1992 (Brisbane), 1996 (Melbourne) and 2000 (Sydney). It was the first government since the Chifley government to provide financial support for bids. It also passed legislation to assist AOF control of marketing and licensing rights.

Olympic Games

1984 Olympic Games – Los Angeles

Hawke at AOF fund raising dinner for the 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games remarks highlighted the Olympics role in Australian society.[31]

I am particularly delighted to be involved with and to be supportive of Australia’s Olympic effort, sport has traditionally occupied a prominent place in Australian society and culture.

My government’s support for sport operates at two levels, at one level we are committed to promoting and encouraging the pursuit of excellence in sport, at another level we consider it important that there should be widespread community participation in sport, both objectives are important and are mutually reinforcing, community participation in sport promotes a healthier, more vital community a community likely to bring a more energetic, more productive approach to the needs of contemporary Australia, over the years we have produced many internationally successful sportsmen and sportswomen over a wide range of sports and out of all proportion to the size of our population, in recent years our reputation for doing this has taken something of a battering, and our relative lack of success has probably contributed in part to the tremendous outpouring of national fervour at the recent success of Robert de Castella and the crew of Australia II.

The Hawke government provided $1.4 million to the AOF for the 1984 Olympic teams. In addition, for the first time AIS athletes attended the Los Angeles Games.

1988 Olympic Games – Seoul

Hawke’s speech at The Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner, Melbourne on 20 May 1988 highlighted his government’s $2 million contribition for the 1988 Olympic teams and again the role of the Olympic Games by stating “So in every way, the Olympics represent the best in Australian sporting prowess – our commitment to excellence at the highest level.”  [32] The 1988 Seoul Australian Olympic team came home with three gold, six silver and five bronze medals – an improved medal performance highlighting the role of increased investment in the preparation of athletes and teams through the AIS.

With Paralympics also in mind, Hawke served as Patron in Chief of the National Appeal Committee of the Australian Confederation of Sport for the Disabled. ASC funded national disability sports organisations and provided limited funding to athletes attending the 1988 Seoul Paralympics.[33]

1992 Olympic Games Bid – Brisbane

Hawke government supported Brisbane’s bid for 1992 Olympic Games. In April 1983, Hawke met with IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch during his visit to Australia and stressed his government’s strong support for it hosting the Games.[34] Hawke government  provided $600,000 for the 1992 Brisbane Olympic Games bid as it would ”focus world-wide attention on Australia, its tourism potential, its excellent sports facilities and its professional sports administration.”[35] In the led up to 1986 IOC decision regarding the 1992 Olympic Games host city selection, Hawke was concerned that Australian cricketer’s rebel tour of South Africa from November 1985 to February 1986 might impact on bids for major international sporting competitions. Hawke did not attend the IOC meeting where members voted for the 1992 Olympic Games host city. It was won by Barcelona with Brisbane finishing fourth in the vote.

1996 Olympics Bid – Melbourne

The Hawke government indicated that it would support the 1996 Olympic Games bid but would not be prepared to support a particular city in the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) selection process.[36] In November 1988, the AOC controversially selected Melbourne over Sydney and Brisbane for Australia’s bid for the 1996 Games.  Hawke became patron of the Melbourne Olympic Candidature 1996 Committee.

In January 1989, Hawke visited Seoul’s 1988 Olympic Games facilities during a trip to South Korea. In an answer to a media question, Hawke stated the Olympic Games have a long term benefit “They’re not just something for the moment, as it were, of the Olympics. They are something that will provide a lasting facility as we learnt from 1956.” [37]

Hawke government agreed to the request of the Victorian premier John Cain senior to provide $125m, to be indexed in 1990 prices, towards the construction of a world standard sporting complex at Albert Park should Melbourne be successful. He stated that the successful Melbourne bid “would have significant economic benefits for Australia. Apart from attracting large numbers of international visitors for the events themselves, they would provide an opportunity.” [38] But Senator Peter Walsh, minister for finance and senior cabinet minister, was critical of his government decision to spend $125 million on the Albert Park sports complex. [39] On 8 September 1990, at Melbourne Olympic Committee Farewell Dinner, Hawke highlighted the hard-sell the Melbourne delegation would need to make at the IOC Tokyo selection meeting on 18 September 1990 when he stated “I do want to underline one of them by pointing to the depth of my Government’s commitment to the bid – and the breadth of the political support it has drawn from throughout Australia”[40].

Gordon reported on Hawke’s speech at the IOC selection meeting by noting that “Hawke told IOC members that Australia was the embodiment of the Olympic ideal, having opened its doors to people of 140 nations who lived cooperatively and peacefully.”[41] Melbourne finished fourth in the voting with Atlanta, United States being successful. After Melbourne was defeated, Hawke lamented “I think there were lots of inducements and considerations that applied in their thinking” and how small countries like Australia may never win the right to host the Games. He also believed the Melbourne bid would have received African votes due to Australia’s stance on apartheid. [42]

2000 Olympic Games Bid – Sydney

Shortly after the failed Melbourne bid for the 1996 Olympic Games, the AOC awarded Sydney as Australia’s candidate city for the 2000 Games.  Hawke supported Sydney’s bid for the 2000 Olympic Games. [43] In February 1991, Hawke government’s cabinet rejected a request from NSW government for a $150 million loan to build sporting facilities vital to the bid, at Homebush Bay. But Hawke had made it clear that if Sydney’s bid succeeded, it would get the same help promised Melbourne if it had gained the 1996 Olympics. [44] The Sydney Bid was successful in September 1993 and the Keating government provided funding in several areas. Hawke’s involvement in 2000 Games was the attaché for the Olympic Committee of Malaysia.[45]

2008 Olympic Games Bid – Beijing

Hawke supported Beijing’s bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games and he chaired an Australian and Chinese committee behind the bid. Hawke had a love-hate relationship with China. In June 1989, during a memorial service at Parliament House, he condemned the Chinese government’s massacre of protesters in Tiananmen Square. However, after leaving parliament, Hawke became a lobbyist representing Chinese companies from his office in Shanghai. [46] In 2001 in the lead up to the IOC meeting for determining the host city 2008 Olympic Games, Hawke stated it was important that Beijing was selected:[47]

If Beijing wins the bid, it will be great for the world. If they don’t, they could take a`bugger you’ attitude.

This is not just in Australia’s interest. It’s in the whole world’s interest.

What happens in China is just about the most important thing facing the world.

Beijing went on to defeat Toronto, Canada 56 -22 to win the right to host the 2008 Games.

Olympic Insignia Protection Act 1987

On 23 June 1987, the Hawke government’s Olympic Insignia Protection Act 1987 took effect. This was the result of the AOF lobbying the Hawke government for greater protection of the Olympics “five interlocking rings” and other designs of the AOF. These insignia were important in the AOF’s marketing and sponsorship arrangements. Sport minister Brown stated “The Olympic Insignia Protection Act will greatly enhance the financial independence of the Australian Olympic Federation”.[48] The AOF after the Fraser government took away funding for the 1980 Olympic Games team due to their failure to adhere to a boycott, sought to move away from direct federal government funding for Olympic Games teams.

Commonwealth Games

1986 Commonwealth Games – Edinburgh

Hawke government through the ASC provided $900,000 to the Australian Commonwealth Games Association (ACGA) for the Australian team’s preparation. [49] The 1986 Games were boycotted by thirty countries (largely African, Asian and Caribbean states) due British prime minister stance of not interfering on the racial selection of South African sporting teams. The boycott raised the possibility that the Games might end. Australian team went on to win 121 medals including 40 gold and highlighted improvements in Australian international sport performances as a result of increased Hawke government investment particularly through the AIS.

1990 Commonwealth Games – Auckland

Hawke attended the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games for several days as part of 150th anniversary celebrations of the Treaty of Waitangi. In response to a question regarding the relevance of the Commonwealth Games, Hawke replied:[50]

Very meaningful. I mean you look at the sort of standards that are being achieved here. You’ve got to remember the Commonwealth covers such a representative of the nations of the world. A third of the population, approximately a third of the population I think. It ranges from the second largest in India, 800 million people, down to the tiniest. All colours, creeds. It is a very very representative, if you like, body of nations of the-world with very special characteristics. I think it’s a very worthwhile institution.

He also reflected on the “good investment into the Australian Institute of Sport” in Australia’s gold medal success. In addition, it had provided $1 million to the ACGA for the Australian team’s preparation.[51]

1998 Commonwealth Games Bid – Adelaide

In October1991, Hawke attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Zimbabwe where the role of sport in the Commonwealth was discussed including the location of the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Hawke reflected on CHOGM discussions in a statement to parliament:[52]

As all honourable members will know, both Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur have applied to hold the 1998 Commonwealth Games. I made clear, in both my formal and informal contacts with my colleagues that, although Australia supports the principle of involving as many countries as possible in the future of the Games, we firmly believe that Adelaide has the best bid for 1998 and that we will continue to work for its success.

Hawke government provided $25 million towards the cost of staging the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Adelaide. Hawke stated that the government’s decision was similar to arrangements made for the Melbourne and Sydney Olympic Games bids.[53] In 1992, Kuala Lumpur defeated Adeliade 40 votes to 25 to win the right to host the Games – the first to be held in Asia.

Hawke government was very supportive of bids for the Olympic and Commonwealth Games particularly in terms of tourism and economic benefits and the development of international sports facilities.

Australia Games

The Australia Games had its origins in John Bloomfield’s report Role and Scope and Development of Recreation in Australia published in 1973 that raised the concept of a festival of Australian sport.[54] In 1981, Fraser government approved the concept of Australia Games after a feasibility report. The Games were to be part of Victoria’s 150th anniversary. The ALP’s 1983 Sport and Recreation Policy committed to the Games when it stated:[55]

The first Australia Games will be held in 1984 in Sydney. Preparations are already well advanced and there is a National Committee as well as a NSW State organising committee. These games are aimed at fostering national unity, mass participation and the promotion of sport in Australia. The Liberal Government has allocated a miserly $300 000 in this year’s budget for the Australia Games. The rest of the money will be raised from private organisations. Including television stations which have expressed a great interest in the Games. The Games will be organised every two years and it is hoped that Australia will be able to attract world class athletes and world-wide media coverage.

In May 1984, Hawke in a media release stated its $800,000 funding commitment with Victorian government to fund $375,00 and Games would: [56]

Provide a much needed national focus for sport in Australia and facilitate regular high-level competition for Australia’s top athletes in their own country. It would act as the major catalyst in promoting the benefits of increased participation and involvement in sport and would encourage states to upgrade and provide sporting facilities of international standard. · The valuable experience gained from staging the Australia Games would improve Australia’s chances of hosting other major international sporting events.

Hawke was patron of the Games but did not attend the opening ceremony. The Games were held in Melbourne from 26 January to 5 February 1985. There were twenty sports and 1,848 athletes (including 804 from overseas) from 31 countries. Spectator attendance was 92,767 and gate receipts – $364,966.[57]

The 1987 Games were not held due expenditure overruns in 1985 and the Hawke government deciding against supporting future Games.

America’ Cup

Australia II’s victory in the 1983 America’s Cup is regarded as one of Australia’s greatest sporting achievements and moments. Prior to the victory, United States yachts had been the holder of the Cup from the first competition in 1851. Australia’s first unsuccessful challenge in 1962 was supported by Sir Frank Packer and followed his unsuccessful challenges in 1967 and 1970. The unsuccessful challenges in 1974, 1970 and 1980 were led by Perth businessman Alan Bond.

At the 1983 America Cup held at Newport, Rhode Island from 14 to 26 September, Australia II defeated the United States defender Liberty 4-3.  Besides becoming the first successful challenge, Australia II skippered by John Bertrand fought back from a 3-1 deficit.

At the Victorian Football League (VFL) grand final in Melbourne on 24 September 1983 with the races tied at 3-3, Hawke in an interview before the final race on 26 September stated:[58]

Well, here we are at the MG, there’s 120,000 Australians there and I know I speak on behalf of all them and all the rest of people around Australia, Alan and the crew and wishing you the very very best. The exercise in which you are about to engage is certainly one of the historic moments in Australian sporting history and you all have all our best wishes with you as I said in my message if it gets tight let us know and we ‘all turn towards Newport and blow to get you home.

Hawke was in Perth watching the final race at the Royal Perth Yacht Club.  After Australia II dramatic win in the final race, a very elated Hawke in a live interview on Channel Nine’s Today breakfast show, was given a white blazer emblazoned with the words “Australia” in blue lettering and the flag in the shape of Australia to wear. This became a lasting image of the morning. Hawke credited the role played by Bond, skipper Bertrand and designer Ben Lexcen in winning the Cup and referred to all those that played a role in previous challenges. Famously Hawke said “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum” and “Its not just what they have done for sport, it shows our technology when applied is equal too or better than any in the world. It not just people interested in sport but all Australians can see just wat Australia is capable of.”  Hawke was referring to Lexcen’s innovative ‘winged keel’ design.

In federal parliament on 4 October 1983, Hawke moved the motion:[59]

That this House-

(1) congratulates all members of the Australia II team on its magnificent achievement in winning the America’s Cup, recognised as the most prestigious of international yachting events;

(2) highly commends the sportsmanship, competitive spirit and technical proficiency of the Australian team who with skill and determination won world acclaim and brought great credit to this nation;

(3) recognises the contribution particularly of Alan Bond, Warren Jones, John Bertrand and Ben Lexcen to the success of this venture;

(4) acknowledges with appreciation the sportsmanship and sterling performance of Dennis Conner and the crew of Liberty who together, in true American tradition, put up such a great contest, and

(5) requests the Speaker to convey the terms of this resolution to those concerned.

In speaking to the motion, Hawke included the brief letter from United States president Ronald Reagan that included “If the America’s Cup had to leave the United States, I am delighted that its home will be Australia – at least until the next race. All Australians must be justifiably proud of the extraordinary team effort, skill and sportsmanship that brought of this magnificent victory.” In November 1983, Hawke hosted a lunch at The Lodge for Bond and the crew of Australia II. The 1983 America’s Cup win provided an early boost to Hawke’s political popularity as he rode the crest of public excitement and it displayed his human side. In 1984, Bond was appointed as an inaugural ASC commissioner but he resigned in 1985 complaining that the board was too large and cumbersome. [60]

Australia II’s win led to the Royal Perth Yacht Club determining that Fremantle was the best location for the 1987 Cup defence. Federal governments had previously not financed America’s Cup challenges and only provided limited support. In the 1984 federal budget, Hawke government allocated funding to assist the upgrade of facilities in Fremantle and the possibility of buying Australia II from the Bond syndicate for the new National Museum in Canberra. John Dawkins, minister for finance, stated supporting the event is: [61]

a major opportunity to show Australia to the world. The Australian Government intends to do everything possible to ensure that the defence of the America’s Cup reflects well on Australia as a whole, both as sportspeople and as gracious hosts. Our modest financial commitment is evidence of our desire to see the event run in a way that brings credit to the nation.

Sport minister Brown in parliament stated that there would be $30 million in government funding but not one cent of all of the funding will be spent on any of the Australian challengers.[62] The final funding was $28.5 million over 3 years through trade department. It was “for community projects to maximise the benefits and to minimise any detrimental effects of the America’s Cup defence on Fremantle and to provide facilities of long-term lasting benefit.”  In April 1987, the Hawke government purchased Australia II for $2 million to become a major exhibit at the National Museum.[63] The Western Australian Maritime Museum became the home of Australia II.

In 1987 America Cup final series held 31 January to 4 February 1987, Australian defender Kookaburra III skippered by Iain Murray and supported by Kevin Parry lost 4-0 to Dennis Connor’s Stars & Stripes ’87. Kookaburra III had defeated Bond’s Australia IV in the defender series. Hawke attended the 1987 series in Fremantle. United States president Regan’s media statement on Connor’s victory mentioned his bet with Hawke and that “On a more personal note, having bet Prime Minister Hawke my favourite cowboy hat on your sailing abilities, I’m pleased to report that my head will remain warm and dry during my next visit to the ranch”. [64] Reagan won an Akuba hat from Hawke – his offering was to Hawke was a Stenson hat. [65]

1988 Australian Bicentenary Sport Events

Hawke government through the Australian Bicentennial Authority (ABA) funded and endorsed sporting events held in Australia during 1988. This occurred through Sport 88 program established in 1987. Sport 88‘s aim was to give all Australians their best chance to be exposed to “a smorgasbord of sport and recreation at all levels. It would be “the most extensive and cohesive gathering “assembled in the country.” It will bring together more sports and activities under a single banner than the Olympic, Commonwealth or Australia Games”.[66]

In response to a question in federal parliament about Sport 88, minister Clive Holding outlined Sport 88 costs and activities[67]: 

A total of 530 grants were given by the Authority under Sport 88, the national sport and recreation program. This figure includes one grant to the Authority’s NSW Council, which was matched with NSW Government funds and allocated on a formula basis to some 176 local government authorities involving approximately 850 activities, details of which are not held by the Authority. The total of 530 does not include grants to organisations providing specifically for people with disabilities as these were funded under a separate program.

The total cost of grants awarded under the program was approximately $5.5 million.

Significant sporting events part of Sport 88 included:

• The Bicentennial Gold Cup football tournament featuring Australia, Argentina, Brazil and Saudi Arabia
• The 1988 Women’s Cricket World Cup, held in Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne, which was branded as the Bicentennial World Cup
• The 1988 Youth Cricket World Cup, held in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, which was branded as the McDonald’s Bicentennial Youth World Cup
• The Bicentennial Test, a one-off non-Ashes England-Australia Test match in Perth
• The Bicentennial Classic, held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club

The funding and promotion of sport and sporting events in 1988 highlighted its significant role in the development of Australia over 200 years.

South Africa Sport Restrictions

Hawke as the new Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) president was able to help mobilise several trade unions in disrupting the 1971 South African rugby tour of Australia. The tour supported by the McMahon government proceeded with significant anti-apartheid protests and disruptions but called into question the proposed 1971-1972 South African cricket tour of Australia. Sir Donald Bradman, Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chair invited Hawke to his home in Adelaide to discuss the South Africa tour.  Report of their meeting:[68]

To that end, he invited the ACTU president to Adelaide for a secret meeting. I went out to his home in Kensington Gardens,” Hawke said, “and he said, ‘Bob, I don’t think politics should come into sport.’

And I said, ‘I couldn’t agree with you more, Don. We haven’t brought politics into sport; it is the government of South Africa which has brought politics into sport, because the government of South Africa has a policy that no person who isn’t white is allowed to represent their country in sport. That’s bringing politics into sport.

He looked at me for about 30 seconds and then he said, ‘I’ve got no answer to that, Bob.’

On 9 September 1971, the ACB decided to withdraw the invitation for South Africa to tour.

The Hawke government supported the Gleneagles Agreement that was initially supported by the Fraser government. In 1984, sport minister Brown sent a letter of all national sports organisations stating the outcome of the Hawke government’s recently completed review of sporting contact with South Africa. The letter stated:[69]

While the Government will not seek to prevent travel abroad by Australian citizens it will continue to urge Australian sports bodies to ensure that sportspersons are strongly discouraged from competing in South Africa either as “non-representative” individuals or as individuals or in a team representative of Australia or an Australian sports organisation. The Government will look to Australian sports bodies to take into account the reasons for the Government’s decision and the possible ramifications a visit to South Africa could have for other sports (e.g. the Commonwealth and/or Olympic Games). Australian sports bodies should consider some form of punitive action to prevent sporting visits to South Africa as a demonstration of support for activities designed to lead to the dismantling of apartheid in sport.

The Government will continue to oppose strongly contacts in third countries in which Australian representative individuals or teams might compete against or with representative South Africans, as such contact constitutes a breach of the Gleneagles Declaration. The Government will look to Australian sports bodies to bring pressure to bear to have South Africa expelled from international sports federations and competitions. For its part, the Government will use its influence to urge foreign governments to discourage the participation of South Africans in sporting events convened in their countries.

However, the Government is aware that the participation of representative South Africans in such events is often doubtful and only confirmed by their arrival immediately prior to the event, after Australian teams or individuals have arrived at the particular location on the understanding that South Africans would be unlikely to participate. In this case the Australian team or individual will be expected to take whatever action possible to have South Africa excluded from the event or show that they have already taken such action. Should such action be unsuccessful the Government will communicate its concern to the Australian sporting organisation involved. However, as it is not the Government’s wish to see Australians who are genuinely opposed to apartheid unnecessarily deprived of competition it will not force Australians to withdraw from the event.

I trust that your organisation will continue to support the Government’s policy on sporting contacts with South Africa. I would be grateful if you could bring this matter to the attention of your National Executive.

Despite the Hawke government’s stance on sporting contacts with South Africa, the South African Cricket Board under the leadership of Ali Bacher organised two rebel Australian tours: 1985–1986 and 1986–1987 led by former Test captain Kim Hughes. After the announcement of the 1985-86 tour, Hawke made several statements condemining it. On 18 April 1985, Hawke in answering a question in federal parliament stated:[70]

I would hope that, having been made aware of the Government’s firm and principled position on this matter, having been made aware of the position of the Australian Cricket Board, and perhaps having themselves thought more deeply about the issue, any Australian cricketers who are in the position of having signed a contract will have second thoughts about it. I make this undertaking, which might be of some help to those people in that position: If they have signed a contract and are now having second thoughts about it, the Government will be ready to assist, should there be any suggestion of legal action against them for the breaking of such contracts.

On 20 May 1985, Hawke in answering another question further emphasised his government’s position through several statements:[71]

I have seen the remarks made by Kim Hughes. I must say that I think too much of the debate has come to be centred now on individuals. I would like to get it back to principles, where I believe it belongs.

The Government remains firm in its opposition to the tour. I would draw the attention of the House to certain facts. The fact that the South African authorities had to offer enormous sums of money for Australian players to tour , the fact that the tour has been arranged in such a clandestine and conspiratorial manner behind the backs of the Australian cricket authorities and the fact that the emphasis has been so strongly put on the bringing together of an Australian team to play tests against South Africa rather than just getting a few Australian individuals demonstrate that South Africa is desperate for the political legitimacy which is associated with a sporting tour by an apparently representative Australian team. The South African authorities are prepared, apparently, to go to almost any lengths to achieve that end. Clear evidence of South African political involvement in the tour is provided by comments in today’s Press in which it is reported that people at the level of the South African Government have expressed joy about the apparent problems that have been created for the Australian Government on this issue.

There is no intention on this Government’s part to take similar action towards the rebel cricketers. This is a free country and, as they have correctly said, they are free and have every right to make up their own minds, but the Government is concerned that Australia should not give comfort to the apartheid regime. We also have to think of the possible consequences for Australia’s international competition not only in cricket» but also in other events such as the World Cup Athletics to be held in Canberra in October, the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and Brisbane’s bid for the 1992 Olympic Games.

The critical difference is that Australia and a few other sporting nations have the unique capacity to have an effect on South Africa. South Africa craves, through international sporting competition, the legitimacy which that international competition gives it. Because we have that unique capacity and because the South» African Government so obviously craves that recognition, as is obvious from all that is going on at the moment, we have that opportunity. I suggest, quietly and responsibly, to Kim «Hughes» and these other fine Australian cricketers, who have given so much for their country and for whom their country has done so much, that they think about and understand that distinction.

Malcolm Fraser once said to me ‘In politics there is very little room for conscious but, I Malcolm Fraser, would die in the ditch on the question of race’.

Later in May 1985, Hawke regretted his attack on the decision of former Australian cricket captains Kim Hughes and Graham Yallop to play in the rebel tour of South Africa. He stated “I think it is pretty apparent how deeply I feel about this and perhaps I concentrated too much of my regret as to what the two individuals had done.” [72]

The 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland were boycotted by African nations due British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, refusal to agree to further sanctions against the discredited South African government. Sport minister Brown reemphasised Australia’s position regarding South Africa:[73]

The Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, will enter the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting determined to take a tougher stand against South Africa.

If Mrs Thatcher had indicated Britain would consider some form of increased Commonwealth action against apartheid then the current boycotts wouldn’t have occurred.

The Australian Government will continue to express its abhorrence of the apartheid system.

Our athletes are Australia’s best diplomats and by competing against other Commonwealth countries will show regimes such as South Africa that all its citizens should have the freedom and opportunity to compete equally.

In 1989, Hawke was questioned about Hughes decision to become full-time captain-coach role with the Natal provincial team in South Africa’s domestic Currie Cup. His reply included:[74]

In fulfilment of its commitment to the Gleneagles Declaration, the Australian Government will continue strongly to discourage sporting contacts with South Africa, including participation by Australian players in any rebel tour or domestic South African cricket competition. The Government makes every effort to keep Australian sporting organisations aware of its position.

I understand that Mr Hughes would be liable to a ten year Australian Cricket Board (ACB) ban if he were to play in South Africa. The Government appreciates the co-operation of the ACB in relation to its policy on sporting contacts with South Africa, which is based on a recognition by the Board (and the International Cricket Conference) of the potential that such contacts have to damage international cricket.

In August and September 1989, six Australian rugby union players travelled to South Africa as part of an International Rugby Board (IRB)-sanctioned World XV team for the South African Rugby Board’s centenary celebrations. The Australian Rugby Union faced a backlash in Australia and Hawke highlighted how the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland and Melbourne’s bid for the 1996 Olympic Games were being threatened by this decision. Hawke stated “I don’t want to see Australia suffer and I don’t want to see New Zealand suffer but there is a very considerable risk involved in what’s been done”.[75]

Hawke in February 1994 after the fall of apartheid regime was invited to give the opening address to the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg. It was the Australian men’s cricket team captained by Allan Border first official tour of South Africa after the lifting of sanctions. The tour followed immediately from the South Africa tour of Australia from December 1993 to February 1994. Hawke was frequently thanked during his visit for the role he played in helping to dismantle apartheid. [76]

During the 1980s, many of the pro-apartheid slogans proclaimed “Don’t mix politics with sport”. But Hawke would counter, that the selection of Springboks teams was the perfect example of politics and sport mixing because “no blacks were allowed in it.”[77]

National Symbols – Colours and Anthem

On 19 April 1984, the Governor-General on behalf of the Hawke government proclaimed Australia’s traditional sporting colours, green and gold, to be the national colours for use on all occasions on which such colours are customarily used and that ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is now Australia’s national anthem.[78]

From 1901 there were a range of combinations used by national sports teams – royal blue and gold, red, white and blue and green and gold. In 1954, Robert Menzies, in response to a question about official colours said “I cannot say that I have ever bent my mind to this great problem. If anybody said to me off-hand, “What are the national colours of Australia?” I think I would say, “Red, white and blue”.[79]

Prime minister Bob Hawke stated in his media release outlined the rationale behind green and gold:[80]

These colours are similar to the colours on the medicare cards now held by all Australian families.

The use of green and gold for Australia’s international sporting teams goes back many years and have been our Olympic teams’ colours since the 1920s.

I am sure that all Australians will be proud that our colours associated with our many great sporting achievements since last century – are now recognised officially as the nation’s colours.

This proclamation came against the background of Australia II winning the 1983 America’s Cup in September 1983 sailing under yellow boxing kangaroo against a green background and Australian team about to complete at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

God Save The King/Queen was the official national anthem from federation in 1901. In 1974, the Whitlam government announced Advance Australia Fair as the national anthem after it defeated Waltzing Matilda and Song of Australia in a national poll. But the Fraser government in 1976 reinstated Gold Save The Queen.[81] However, at the farewell of the Australian team to the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, Fraser’s preferred national anthem was Waltzing Matida. [82]  The 1977 plebiscite on the national anthem demonstrated Australians’ preference for Advance Australia Fair and the Hawke government reinstated it in 1984. It was played during the presentation of gold medals to Jon Sieben, Glynis Nunn, Dean Lukin and Men’s Cycling Team Pursuit at the 1984 Los Angles Olympic Games.

Advance Australia Fair is now played before the commencement of major sporting events held in Australia. National sporting teams use variations in green and gold in national uniforms.

Sporting Passion

Hawke was a sports fanatic as a player or follower and his preferred sports were cricket, golf, tennis, rugby league, Australian football and horse racing. During his time as prime minister, there were frequent stories, photographs and news coverage regarding his interest in these sports. 

Cricket

Hawke’s interest in cricket started at age of four. He said “Somehow Dad had instilled in me, when I was about four, a love of cricket.” His dad Clem would spend hours throwing a ball towards him to improve his batting.[83]

In his youth, he played cricket for Perth Modern School XI  and then joined the Subiaco Cricket Club in the WACA competition. He went on to play for A Grade cricket for the University of Western Australia in 1948/49 and 1949/50. He was described as a “lusty, wild hitting batsman”. [84] Whilst at Oxford University undertaking his Rhodes Scholarship, he played for the University 2nd XI and failed to win a full Blue. He believed he had natural talent as a cricketer but this was undeveloped until he had coaching at Oxford University. In 1956, after returning to Australia, he commenced a doctoral thesis in arbitration law at the Australian National University. Whilst in Canberra, he played 1st Grade for Northbourne in 1956/57 and Turner in 1957/58. Morehouse summarised his cricket statistics in Canberra:[85]

He played in 20 1st Grade matches, 11 for Northbourne in 1956/57 and 9 for Turner in 1957/58. He scored 416 runs in 1956/57 for Northbourne at 27.73 and 179 runs at 17.90 for Turner in 1957/58. He was the third highest run scorer in 1st Grade in 1956/57, only 12 runs behind the leading run scorer. Overall he scored 595 runs in 1st Grade at an average of 23.80 with two fifties. His highest score was 84 against RMC in 1956/57 at Reid Oval.

ACT Cricketer number 270, playing for the ACT in 1956/57 and 1957/58. He was a right handed batsman and wicket-keeper. He played for the ACT on eight occasions, scoring 86 runs with a highest score of 31 against Monaro in 1957/58.

In 1981, Hawke played for the Crusaders cricket team that included former test, first class and district players that came together to help develop youth cricket in Victoria.

Twenty-two days after becoming prime minister in March 1983, during a dinner for the match between Australia v New Zealand for Bushfire Relief Fund, Hawke discussed the resurrection of the Prime Minister’s XI match in Canberra with Phil Riddings, Australian Cricket Board chair. The match had ceased after Robert Menzies retired 1966. The ACT Cricket Association was lukewarm about bringing back the match unless it was financially rewarded. This led to the Association receiving $5,000 grant from the Hawke government’s Sport Development Fund to host the match.

The first match was to be played on 24 January 1984 at Manuka Oval with World Series Cup rules, players wearing creams and a red ball. Hawke was involved in selecting the Prime Minister’s XI and it was to be captained by the current Australian test captain and “to include three well-known Test players in his team, the balance being made up of players on the brink of test selection.”[86] Kim Hughes captained the team in the 1984 match against the West Indies and it included the retiring Greg Chappell and Dennis Lille. It also heralded a new star batsman – young David Boon who scored 134 off 136 balls. The prime minister’s department assisted with its organisation and there was normally a welcome function before the match held at The Lodge.

Summary of PM XI Matches

24 January 1984	PM XI d West Indies by 52 runs
22 January 1985	West Indies d PM XI by 15 runs
22 January 1986	PM XI v New Zealand No result
23 December 1986	England d PM XI by 4 wickers
23 December 1987	New Zealand d PM XI by 37 runs
13 January 1988	Aborginal X d PM XI by 7 wickets
8 December 1988	PM XI v West Indies Abandoned
9 January 1989	Aboriginal XI d PM XI by 3 wickets
31 January 1990	PM XI d Pakistan by 81 runs
4 December 1990	PM XI d England by 31 runs
17 December 1991	PM XI d India vy 75 runs

Source: Prime Minister’s XI Wikipedia

It was noted that attendance at the match was greater than during Menzies era but the population in Canberra has increased since 1966.

In 1983, Hawke played in the annual Parliamentary team v Press gallery team match and the following year at Kingston Oval became a significant media event when Hawke had his glasses smashed when attempting a hook/pull stroke. He was taken to hospital as to check out the damage and remove a glass fragment from his eye. The Canberra Times reported “He had scored 27 runs when he retired hurt. He returned to the match and made spirited interjections from a banana lounge, watching his colleagues through binoculars. The ball that put the Prime Minister out of the match was bowled by Gary O’Neill of The Herald, Melbourne. The ball was a slow delivery and Mr Hawke, shaping up for a big hit, misjudged it.”[87]

In December 1986, during the lunch break of the Prime Minister’s XI match at Manuka Oval, Hawke announced the establishment of an Australian Institute of Sport cricket academy in Adelaide with $300,000 in annual funding. Hawke stated Adelaide was chosen as “This is the home of Sir Donald Bradman, our greatest cricketer, and of many other great Australian players. The Adelaide complex will provide the environment and facilities necessary to nurture and develop our outstanding young cricketing talent of the future.”[88] It was reported that Hawke wanted former West Indian captain Clive Lloyd to be head coach, but former Victorian player Jack Potter was appointed. The Cricket Academy went to develop Australian Cricket Hall of Fame players Michael Clarke, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist. Ricky Ponting and many other test players.

Hawke captained the Prime Minister’s XI in two matches against the Australian Aboriginal side, prior to and after their side’s tour of England in 1988. In the January 1988 match held at Manly Oval, he was dismissed for duck. The match was arranged as preparation for the Aboriginal teams six-week bicentennial tour of England. The Hawke government contributed $100,000 to assist the tour. In the 1989 match, it was reported that Hawke “improved on last year’s duck, but only-marginally”. He was bowled for two by 20-year-old off-spinner Bert Pearce. To add insult to injury, Mr Hawke was jeered loudly when he mis-fielded a ball which went between his legs, costing his side valuable runs.”[89]

In recognition to his contribution to cricket, the Bob Hawke and Robert Menzies Stands at Manuka Oval were opened by Bob Hawke and Dame Patti Menzies in 1992. In the 2000’s, Hawke attended the Sydney test where he was frequently filmed sculling a beer to delight of the crowed. Hawke had famously broken the beer sculling record during his time at Oxford University but gave up alcohol whilst prime minister. [90]

Golf

Hawke like several prime ministers before him, played golf regularly and it played an important role in developing relationships with world leaders. He started to play golf weekly from 1986. It was reported that during the 1985 CHOCGM meeting in the Bahamas was the time that Hawke began obsessed with golf. Television cameras captured his second shot on the first hole that “dribbled about 20m down the fairway”. Embarrassed by the captured poor shot, Hawke “spent the next three months taking secret lessons and practising constantly.”[91] Hawke became friends with champion golfer Greg Norman and they teamed up at the 1988 Prime Minister’s Celebrity Pro-Am tournament in Canberra. In 1988, it was reported that he teamed up with Hazel in Foursomes Championship for the Prime Minister’s Cup at Royal Canberra Golf Club.[92] At the Yowani Country Club in 1988, he scored a hole in one at Par 3 16th hole. In 1989, his handicap was 17.[93]

Importantly, golf allowed him to build connections with world leaders. Fraser before him found this an important avenue. During his visit to Seoul, South Korea in January 1989, Hawke lamented about not playing golf with president Roh Tae-woo and the role in sport in diplomacy. Hawke stated: [94]

My only regret, Mr President, is that your winter has prevented us from engaging in a further round of golf-course diplomacy. But we won’t let that stop us; we will merely substitute the golf with a bit of tennis diplomacy! I should say for the benefit of those here tonight that both our golf and tennis are played in the very best of Seoul’s Olympic spirit.

In his 1989 visit to the United States, he played a round at Andrews Air Force Base Country Club with United States president George HW Bush, secretary of state, James Baker, and Republican minority leader in the House, Bob Michel. It was reported that “Mr Hawke hit off first, though only after being assured he was allowed a second effort if the first was disastrous. It was – a badly hooked wormburner that nearly hit a buggy. But his second was much better”.[95] In 1991, at a banquet to honour him at Harare, Zimbabwe, he reflected on his recent golf game:[96]

For golfers like myself, your courses certainly provide something unique in the way of hazards. In Australia you might run into the occasional kangaroo, but they are not quite in the same league as a troop of baboons, or a herd of buffalo, as I had the pleasure of experiencing at Elephant Hills last weekend.

After leaving parliament, Hawke continued to regularly play golf and it was a way of keeping in contact with friends. He supported the Jack Newton Foundation where he was its patron and regularly played at its annual Celebrity Classic pro-am.

Tennis

Tennis was sport that Hawke played in his youth and it became it a regular sporting activity and it assisted in developing friendships outside politics. He played tennis with Ted Harris who was a tennis commentator and managing director of Ampol Petroleum in 1970’s and 1980’s. Hawke first became friends with Harris in his role with the ACTU and Hartung believed that it was his friendship lead to him being appointed the inaugural ASC chair. [97]The Lodge in Canberra had tennis courts and on weekends he would frequently play with Hazel and friends.

Rugby League

The inclusion of the Canberra Raiders into the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition in 1982 brought high level rugby league to Canberra and Hawke became a supporter of the team as he could regularly watch their games. It should be remembered that his time in Perth and Melbourne did not expose him to rugby league on a regular basis. During Hawke’s time as prime minister, Raiders they had a successful period – premiers in 1989, 1990 and runner’s up in 1987 and 1991. He became the Raiders No. 1 ticket holder in 1983.

In 1989, Hawke in commenting on the Raiders first NSWL premiership, Hawke admitted to being:[98]

“tyro” when it comes to rugby league because of his upbringing in the Australian football stronghold of Melbourne, but said that nothing had brought he or wife Hazel a “greater pride than welcoming the Raiders tonight. In less than a decade the Raiders have become one of the great rugby league teams in the world. To do that in less than a decade speaks volumes for the capacity of the administration and coaches — and the great dedication of the players. Canberra is an easy knocking horse for people around Australia who say,’ well it’s just a place where a bunch of public servants live and perhaps it is not a place with a soul, it is not a real community. Well if there were any lingering thoughts of that they were smashed on Sunday and [Monday] when the people all over Australia saw that here in Canberra we have a very real live community with a soul and spirit, a community which took the Raiders to their heart.

He hosted a barbeque at The Lodge to celebrate their premiership. Half-back Ricky Stuart reflected back on the celebration:[99]

I was talking to Bob – having a beer with him and Steve Walters walked past and started to fall into the conversation, and he said, ‘Gee, Hazel must have been busy last night mate, it’s amazing what she has put on here for us today’. It was very funny and it’s typical Steve Walters and even Bob appreciated the bit of humour.

We just felt that Bob was one of us. He was a wonderful character. He had a great ability to lead the country and then be in a change-room with a group of boys sharing a beer and be on our level.

He was Mr Hawke our Prime Minister but to us it was ‘gidday Bob’ and he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Stuart’s comments in many ways highlight how Hawke became a popular Australian political leader through his public sporting passion.

In 1989, the Hawke government with the support of Canberra federal member Ros Kelly and sport minister Richardson facilitated the Canberra Raiders move from Seiffert Oval, Queanbeyan to the National Athletics Stadium was owned by the ASC. This increased Canberra Raiders home ground capacity to 20,000.[100]

But in 1991 with the Canberra Raiders in financial trouble, Hawke demonstrated his commitment when he bought the first “Rescue a Raider” badge. In replying to the badge purchase, Hawke said the Raiders had “given me a great deal of pleasure” and “he was hoping to attend Sunday’s game against Brisbane at Bruce Stadium as long as the Expenditure Review Committee, which is finalising the Budget, is not sitting. He hoped that the “right priorities” would prevail and he would be at the game”.[101]

As with previous prime ministers living in Canberra, physically attending Raiders games would have been a distraction from the day to day issues of government.

Horse Racing

Hawke was a passionate follower of horse racing through regular gambling, attendance at race meetings and a racehorse owner. Staff working with Hawke as prime minister attested to regular betting on horse races. Barry Cassidy just after starting to work for Hawke inadvertently threw out racing form guide which included detailed notes by Hawke on each race. Craig Emerson, a young staffer to Hawke, has provided a detailed description of Hawke’s interest in horse racing. He was asked to identify horses in The Sportsman‘s form guide where Hawke knew the trainer. Hawke would often telephone trainers for their advice on the prospects of their horses. His formula in betting was the horse “needed to have run fast times and to be carrying a lighter weight than it had in its previous races”. Emerson has written that “Almost every Saturday when Bob was at The Lodge, I joined him to listen to the day’s races on the radio. If we were at Kirribilli House in Sydney, we usually went out to the Rosehill or Randwick racetracks for the day’s racing.[102] In The Hawke Memoirs, said he would analyse “a form guide as it were a cabinet submission.”[103]

Well publicised race meetings attended by Hawke included:

In 1988, he accompanied Queen Elizabeth II to the Canberra Racecourse to open a grandstand in her honour.  It was reported that they watched the Queen Elizabeth II Bicentenary Stakes that featured a clash between champions Beau Zam and Bonecrusher. Hawke as the horses raced down the final straight “jumped and shouted in the next seat, urging home the Sydney horse Beau Zam”.[104]

In 2000, he celebrated his horse Belle De Jour winning the Golden Slipper at the Rosehill Racecourse. John Singleton, a wealthy media owner, had given Hawke a share in the horse as a 70^th birthday gift.[105]

Shortly after his death, leading racehorse breeder and owner John Messara praised the momentous decision the Hawke government made in 1985 to assist the horse racing industry” [106]

I regard the Hawke Government’s initiative in the 1985 Federal Budget to place the Australian Breeding Industry on the same fiscal footing as its neighbouring competitor, New Zealand, as the foundation of the Industry’s success today. It was the 1985 Budget that gave Industry participants the confidence to invest in the upgrading of the Australian gene pool – and we have seen the results over the past three decades.

In speaking to the 1985-1986 federal budget, treasurer Keating outlined the three measures that would assist the horse racing industry:[107]

First, the income tax exemption currently applying to some sporting clubs, such as football and athletic clubs, is to be extended to horse and greyhound racing clubs.

Secondly, a more generous livestock valuation option will be available to horse breeders for the purpose of the trading stock provisions of the income tax laws.

Thirdly, to assist in improving Australia’s thoroughbred bloodstock, all horses imported after tonight are to be exempt from sales tax.

Australian football

Despite Hawke growing up in Perth and spending significant time in Melbourne – working for the ACTU and the federal member for Wills, his interest in Australian football had limited media coverage but he did support South Melbourne.[108] In March 1982, he attended South Melbourne’s first VFL game in Sydney against Melbourne after it permanently moved to there after facing financial difficulties being based in Melbourne. At the game, he was presented with the club’s No.1 membership ticket.[109] He attended VFL grand finals and the associated North Melbourne Football Club grand final breakfasts. It was reported that he was booed at the 1986 grand final with political journalist Max Walsh commenting that “Hawke is not accustomed to being booed, especially by a sporting crowd in his home town.” [110] From Whitlam’s time, prime ministers were often booed at major sporting if their government was becoming unpopular.

Sport and Political Profile

Political journalist Tony Wright in an 1989 article summed how Hawke’s had a genuine interest in sport but often this was used to deflect from political controversies. Wright’s article was after Hawke witnessed the Canberra Raiders winning the 1989 NSWRL premiership and the returning Australian cricket team that won the Ashes 4-0. Hawke had a difficult week in the media after he called pensioner Bob Bell at Whyalla Shopping Centre a “silly old bugger”. Sections from Wright’s article include: [111]

Hawke the sportsman caught offside IF IT hadn’t been for the Raiders’ win last Sunday and the return to Australia of the victorious Allan Border and his team of splendid cricketers, it would have been a total bugger of a week for the Prime Minister.

The two events gave Mr Hawke the opportunity to indulge in his most favoured pastime — sharing, vicariously, the fleeting glory of sporting heroes by standing beside them, shaking their hands, laughing the easy laugh of victory with them, and being photographed with them. It is a policy that has worked perhaps better for Mr Hawke than any other Western leader, possibly because ordinary Australians are more obsessed with sport than most. But it has been- more than this — it is a talent honed virtually to the point of genius, and it is a line walked with carefully measured step.

This, perhaps, has been Bob Hawke’s genius — he is photographed with the hero of the hour, shares the reflected glow – of idol worship … then moves on to be r identified briefly with the next, and the next, and the next.

Though it is clear that Mr Hawke very consciously identifies with these victorious warriors and knows that such behaviour wins him votes, it would be altogether too cynical to suggest that he consciously abandons them after the ticker-tape has been swept away. It is just that in Australia, there is always a new God dripping sweat, grinning, crying with the joy of winning, reeling from the field with toughened hand ready to be grasped by the representative of the people.

And Mr Hawke, who knows and loves his sport, clearly takes great personal satisfaction from simply being there.

Hawke’s deep interest in sport that was well portrayed in the media. This would have assisted his profile and at times popularity in the many sections of the Australian community.

Conclusion

Hawke and his government can be viewed as making the most significant contribution to the development of sport in Australia by establishing a more coordinated sport system through federal government support. This largely came about through coming into government with an extensive sport and recreation policy developed in the seven years in opposition.

This policy led to the Hawke government quickly creating and legislating the ASC and then significantly funding high-performance sport and participation programs. In addition, the first sport minister Brown had a strong political friendship with Hawke, and this greatly facilitated in moving forward the federal legislative and funding agenda for sport.

Like previous prime ministers, Hawke understood sport’s role in diplomacy and international relations i.e. opposition to South Africa’s apartheid regime, international sporting events promoting Australia and building diplomatic relationships.

Hawke like Menzies had a strong passion for sport but unlike the later he ensured that his government provided funding and programs to assist in its development. The foundations established by the Hawke government have been maintained and extended where relevant by successive progressive and conservative federal governments.

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre’s Not just a fan –Bob Hawke and the language of sport exhibition demonstrated how sport was an important part of his identity as a person, politician and national leader.

Further Reading

• John Daly. Quest for Excellence: the Australian Institute of Sportr. Canberra, AGPS, 1991.
• John Bloomfield. Australia’s Sporting Success.: the Inside Story. Sydney, University of NSW Press, 2003.
• Greg Hartung. The Great Arm Wrestle: Australian Sport Policy 1939. Sydney, Halstead Press, 2023.

References

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[1] Pledge for Honesty, to Create Jobs and Get Australia Cracking Keating is New PM,  The Canberra Times, 20 December 1991, p. 1

[2] National Archives of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy biographies.

[3] Not just a fan – Bob Hawke and the language of sport exhibition held in Adelaide 3 July 2024 – 28 March 2025 held at Kerry Packer Civic Gallery, Hawke Building Level 3, UniSA City West Campus, Adelaide.  The exhibition covered all aspects of Hawke’s life and includes many photographs and memorabilia.

[4] Australian Labor Party. The A.L.P. Sport and Recreation Policy Canberra, ALP, 1983.

[5] Robert Hawke. ALP Sport and Recreation Policy Launch, 28 February 1983

[6] John Brown, Commonwealth Sports Administration Streamlined, Minister for the Arts, Sport, Recreation and Tourism Media Release, 25 September 1987

[7] House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration, Going for gold : The first report on an Inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration, 1989 and House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration Can sport be bought? The second report on an inquiry into Sports Funding and Administration. Canberra House of Representatives Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration c1990

[8] Australian Sports Commission, The Australian Sports Kit, Canberra, Australian Sports Commission, 1989.

[9] Bob Hawke, The Hawke Memoirs, Melbourne, Mandarin, 1994, p. 161

[10] The Hawke Memoirs, p. 441

[11] John Brown, Proposed Australian Sports Commission, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism Media Release, 13 September 1983

[12], The Australian Sports Kit, Australian Sports Commission, 1989.

[13] Bob Hawke, Address to Sports Function, Eastern Suburbs Rugby League Club, 23 November 1984. PM Transcripts website.

[14] John Brown, Commonwealth Sports Administration Streamlined, Minister for the Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories Media Release, 25 September 1987

[15] The Hawke Memoirs, p. 440

[16]  Report of the Australian Sports Institute Study Group, Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1975.

[17] The A.L.P. Sport and Recreation policy

[18] John Daly, Quest for Excellence: the Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service, 1991, p.43

[19] John Bloomfield, Australia’s Sporting Success: the Inside Story, Sydney, UNSW Press, 2003, p.81

[20] Sport Scholarships for Oceania, Australian Sports Commission Media Release, 13 September 1990

[21] Bob Hawke and John Brown. Australian Sports Commission: Joint Statement, Prime Minister Media Release, 13 September 1984

[22] Australian Sports Commission, Position Statement Taxation: Policy

[23] Address To Sports Function Sydney 23 November 1984

[24] John Brown, Deductibility of Gifts to Australian Sports Aid Foundation, Minister for Sport Recreation and Tourism Media Release, 10 December 1985

[25] Australian Sports Commission. Position Statement (taxation)

[26] Greg Hartung, The Great Australian Arm Wrestle. Sydney, Halstead Press, 2023, p. 197

[27] Graeme Blackman, Survey of Drug Use in Australian Sport. Melbourne: Australian Sports Medicine Federation, 1982.

[28] Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Recreation and the Arts Drugs in sport: an Interim Report, Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service. 1989

[29] Graham Richardson, Drugs in Sport, Senate Hansard, 7 September 1989, p. 1193

[30] Australian Sports Drug Agency Bill 1990, House of Representatives Bills Digest, Department of the Parliamentary Library, 1990.

[31] Bob Hawke, Speech at AOF Fund Raising Dinner, 29 October 1983, PM Transcripts

[32] Bob Hawke, Speech For The Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner, Melbourne, 20 May 1988, PM Transcripts

[33] Speech For The Prime Minister’s Olympic Dinner

[34] Three-day Visit by IOC President, The Canberra Times, 21 April 1983, p. 22

[35] Dept. of Sport, Recreation and Tourism. Annual report 1985/86, p. 4

[36] Ian Jobling and Sallyanne Atkinson, The ‘Domestic bid’ by Australian Cities to Host the 1996 Olympic Games. Sporting Traditions, Vol 43 May 2026, p. 1-22

[37] Bob Hawke, Transcript Of Doorstop, Olympic Stadium, Seoul, 1 February 1989, PM Transcripts

[38] Bob Hawke,  Federal Govt will Provide $125 Million towards Sporting Complex at Albert Park, Prime Minister Media Release, 28 January 1989

^[39] Hawke Admits to Mistake That Wasn’t, The Canberra Times, 9 October 1990, p. 1

[40] Bob Hawke. Speech by Prime Minister Melbourne Olympic Committee Farewell Dinner, 8 September 1990, Prime Minister Media Release, 8 October 1990

[41] Harry Gordon, Australia and the Olympic Games, Brisbane, University of Queensland Press, 1994, p, 390

[42] A Disappointed Hawke Cries Foul, The Canberra Times, 20 September 1990, p. 1

[43] Cabinet Reconsiders Bid Funding, The Canberra Times, 20 February 1991, p.40

[44] AOC Gives Greiner a Shove, The Canberra Times, 7 February 1991, p.

[45] Information supplied by the Bob Hawke Ministerial Library.

[46] Mark Beeson, Trade with China and the National Interest, The Conversation, 30 August 2015

[47] Roy Masters, C’mon you Reds: Hawke Says We Must Back China, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 June 2001, p. 44

[48] John Brown, Olympic Insignia Protection Act, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism Media Release, 24 June 1987

[49] Australian Sports Commission. Annual report 1986-87, p. 22

[50] Transcript Of Interview With Neville Oliver, ABC Radio, Auckland, 1 February1990

[51] Australian Sports Commission. Annual Report 1988-1989, p. 48

[52] Bob Hawke, Ministerial Statement: Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting, House Representatives Hansard, 6 November 1991, p. 2431

[53] Bob Hawke and Ros Kelly, Joint Statement, Prime Minister Media Release, 3 December 1991

[54] John Bloomfield, The Role, Scope and Development of Recreation in Australia, Canberra, Dept. of Tourism and Recreation, 1973.

[55] The A.L.P. Sport and Recreation Policy

[56] Bob Hawke, Australia Games, Prime Minister Media Release, 18 May 1984

[57] Australia Games Wikipedia, 13 October 2026

[58] Bob Hawke, Speech during the 1983 Grand Final, Towards the Australia II crew for America’s Cup,  YouTube

[59] Bob Hawke, Australia II, House of Representatives Hansard, 4 October 1983, p.1235

[60] Hartung p. 145

[61] Government Grant for America’s Cup Defence, The Canberra Times, 21 August 1984, p. 1

[62] John Brown, Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 1984-85, House of Representatives Hansard, 11 September 1984, p. 1078

[63] Govt. Buys Yacht, The Canberra Times, 5 April 1987, p. 1 

[64] Ronald Reagan, Reagan Congratulates Conner On Cup Win, United States President Media Release, 5 February 1987

[65] A Triumphant Reagan Dons his Cup Trophy, The Canberra Times, 11 February 1987, p. 42 

[66]$6m for Sport 88 ‘Smorgasbord, The Canberra Times, 16 April 1987, p. 18

[67] Clive Holding, Sport 88, House of Representatives Hansard, 4 October 1989, p. 1493

[68] Ashley Mallett, The Cricket Tragic Who Bowled Bradman, Cricinfo, 23 April 2014

[69] Dept.  of Sport, Recreation and Tourism – Report Year – 1983-84

[70] Bob Hawke, Sporting Contacts with South Africa, House of Representatives Hansard, 18 April 1985, p. 1392

[71] Bob Hawke, Cricket South African Tour, House of Representatives Hansard, 20 May 1985, p. 2665

[72] Hawke regrets cricket attack,  The Canberra Times, 23 May 1985, p. 1

[73] John Brown, Disappointment over Commonwealth Games Boycotts, Minister for Sport, Recreation and Tourism Media Release, 14 July 1986

[74] Bob Hawke, Decision by  Mr Kim Hughes to Play Cricket in South Africa, House of Representatives Hansard, 16 June 1989, p.3699

[75] Tour Threatens Games: Hawke, The  Canberra Times, 21  August  1989, p.3

[76] The Hawke Memoirs, p. 338

[77] Blanche D’Alpuget, Bob Hawke: the Complete Biography, Simon & Schuster Australia, 2019, p.754

[78] Bob Hawke, National Anthem, Prime Minister Media Release, 19 April 1984

[79] Robert Menzies, Australian National Colours, House of Representatives Hansard, 26 October 1954, p.2287

[80] Bob Hawke, Australia’s National Anthem

[81] Australian National Anthem, Dept. of Prime and Cabinet website

[82] Malcolm Fraser, Questions – National Anthem, House of Representatives Hansard, 4 May 1976, p. 1842

[83] Blanche D’Alpuget, Hawke: the Early Years, Melbourne,: Melbourne University Publishing, 2010,  p.34

[84] Blanche D’Alpuget, Bob Hawke: the Complete Biography,  p.91

[85] Robert James Lee Hawke, ACT CricketStats, 17 May 2019

[86] Don Selth, The Prime Minister’s XI: the Story of the Prime Minister’s XI Matches Menzies to Hawke. Canberra, The Author, 1990, p. 97

[87] Cricket Ball Fells Hawke, The Canberra Times, 15 October 1984, p. 1

[88] Bob Hawke, AIS Cricket Academy, Prime Minister Media Release, 23 December 1986

[89] Aboriginal XI Clinch Victory over PM’s XI, The Canberra Times. 10 January 1989, p. 20 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120903488

[90] Carrying on tradition! Bob Hawke, 88, slams down a glass of beer to a standing ovation at the Ashes Test, Daily Mail, 5 January 2018

[91] The Role of Golf in the History of Government, The Canberra Times, 4 January 1992,p.9 

[92] Verdant Courses Will be Resilient in Winter, The Canberra Times, 12 May 1988, 23

[93] The Role of Golf in the History of Government

[94] Bob Hawke, Speech By The Prime Minister State Banquet Seoul – 30 January 1989, PM Transcripts

[95] Bush’s Straight beats Hawke’s Wormburner, The Canberra Times, 27 June 1989, p. 1

[96] Bob Hawke, Speech By The Honourable R J L Hawke  AC Prime Minister of Australia at a Banquet In His Honour In Harare, 23 October 1991- Zimbabwe , Prime Minister Media Release, 23 October 1991

[97] Discussion with Greg Hartung regarding the first  ASC Board

[98] Soul Myth Dispelled: Hawke, The  Canberra Times, 27 September 1989, p. 42

[99] Tanisha Stanton, Stuart proudly reflects on happy memories of Hawke, National Rugby League website, 17 May 2019

[100] Greg Blood, History of National Sports Facilities in Canberra, Australian Sport Reflections website, 24 July 2021

[101] Grateful PM Repays the Raiders, The Canberra Times, 26 July 1991, p. 26

[102] Craig Emerson, Bob Hawke, the hard-working and hard-playing PM: blackjack and gee-gees, Australian Financial Review, 2 March 2018

[103] The Hawke Memoirs, p. 88

[104] Les Carlyon and Hugo Kelly, Bob Hawke and the Queen, a Day at the Races, The Age, 9 May 1988

[105] RIP Bob Hawke the PM who won a Golden Slipper, Racenet, 17 May 2029

[106]John Messara Pays Tribute to Bob Hawke, Arrowfield Stud website, 17 May 2029

[107] Paul Keating, Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 1985-86: Second Reading, House of Representatives Hansard, 20 August 1985, p. 63

[108] Stephen Downes, Fans and Fanatics, The Age, 4 July 1980, p. 11

[109] Sydney Win a Relief for VFL, The Age, 29 March 1982

[110] Max Walsh, Tough Talking to Out Populist PM, Sydney Morning Herald, 24 November 1986, p. 15

[111] Hawke the Sportsman Caught Offside, The Canberra Times, 30 September 1989, p. 9