Seven videos that capture the former PM Bob Hawke in full flight
Bob Hawke enjoys a beer during the 2017-18 Ashes series at the SCG in January 2018. Photo: AAP
Former prime minister Bob Hawke commanded a rare mix of popularity and authority, and few prime ministers have displayed such authenticity on camera.
A straight shooter with little time for most journalists, Mr Hawke said he was “never intimidated” by being on TV.
This approach resulted in a range of amusing and unexpected moments from the Silver Bodgie that surprised and sometimes delighted the viewing public.
The day no boss wanted to be labelled a bum (1983)
The ‘blood on your hands’ interview (1983)
Cricket ball smashes Hawke during Prime Minister’s XI (1984)
Hawke says Abbott a nice bloke but ‘mad as a cut snake’ (2011)
‘One for the country’ – Hawke skols a beer at the SCG (2012)
Belting out Solidarity Forever at an ACTU dinner (2012)
Hawke’s canoe joke ‘captures the Australian irreverence’ (2013)
Melbourne Airport’s $3b runway cleared for take off
Aust inks $660m hydrogen pact with Germany
