Hayman in headlines

IT might sound like the start of a bad joke, but instead of walking into a bar they lobbed up on a Whitsunday Island.

The finalists for the Best Job In The World at Hayman Island resort in 2009. Hayman has again hit the international headlines this week, being mentioned in the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics. Picture: TORSTEN BLACKWOOD

IT might sound like the start of a bad joke, but instead of walking into a bar they lobbed up on a Whitsunday Island.

Paul Keating, John Howard, Tony Blair and Rupert Murdoch met at Hayman Island in July 1995.

Now the foursome, more unlikely than awesome, is again making international headlines with its Hayman meeting featuring in the UK's Leveson Inquiry into media ethics. Fronting the inquiry this week, former UK Prime Minister Blair said his trip to paradise was part of Mr Murdoch's "charm offensive".

One worker who was on the island at the time of the visit said Mr Murdoch "wined and dined this guy named Tony Blair".

Asking to remain anonymous, the former employee recalled the trip.

"They were going on about this guy, Tony Blair, saying he was going to be the next prime minister of England," he said.

"The funny thing was, next minute he was."

Sally Morgan, head of corporate communications for Hayman, said the island continued to attract the A-list. She said during the past few months island guests had included rock god Slash and Twilight star Kellan Lutz.

Other guests over the years have included the likes of Jane Fonda, Ivana Trump, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Nicole Kidman, Rod Stewart, Chris Isaak, Bill Gates and Sir Bob Geldof.

Asked about the recent international attention, Ms Morgan said so far the Leveson Inquiry had not led to a surge in bookings.

Originally published as Hayman in headlines