Australians of all persuasions are mourning the passing of the Labor stalwart, Bob Hawke. There has been an outpouring of tributes.
Tim Lofthouse reports.
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Bill Shorten, Opposition Leader: “He was my first political hero of my contemporary life, so I’ve been in touch and he’s mentored me across the years. I feel incredibly lucky, that we were able to have that time just to talk about politics, and life, and him.
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister: “Australians are remembering so fondly today is his ability to connect with all Australians. And he changed the national Anthem to say ‘Australian’s all’ and I think that very much reflected how he saw Australia, he was accessable to Liberal voters, to Labor voters, to everybody.”
His leadership style and achievements remembered fondly.
Mark Latham, Politician: “What Hawke did was open up the Australian economy and produced a long run of economic success and he really believed in the Australian people, he believed if you gave them a chance you could liberate their skills, their energy, their enterprize, and it was an amazing achievement.”
John Howard, Former Prime Minister: “Bob Hawke was an outstanding Australian Prime Minister, in my opinion, he’s the greatest Prime Minister of Australia produced by the Labor Party.”
His impact in politics and on the nation uniting politicians of all persuasions, with former leaders taking to twitter to express their condolences.
His succesor, Paul Keating, released a statement saying “the country is much poorer for Bob’s passing.”
While, Bill Shorten took time out from the last day of campaigning to visit Hawke’s widow.
Bill Shorten, Opposition Leader: “Had such a lovely catch up with Blanche she’s a very strong person, you can see why her and Bob had such great love.”
The former Labor leader truly leaving a lasting mark on a grieving nation.
Blanche d’Alpuget, wife: “There’s a great outpouring of love and it’s been very very sustaining, energetic and I think it’s wonderful for Australia.”
Tim Lofthouse, QUT News.