Hip Hawkey enjoys a toke with some folk at his sixth Woodford festival

HE’S a fixture at the Woodford Folk Festival, but this year Bob Hawke isn’t the only former federal Labor politician enjoying the event. SOCIAL MEDIA PICS

L-R James Gilronan, Bob Hawke and wife Blanche d'Alpuget and Tanya Sambell at Woodford folk festival. Pic Megan Slade

FORMER Prime Minister Bob Hawke has used a festival celebrating peace, love and happiness to launch a political attack on the Abbott Government.

Mr Hawke, 85, who was at the Woodford Folk Festival for the sixth year, said he was concerned about the direction Australia was headed under the government of Tony Abbott.

“I have personally good relations with Tony Abbott, I find him a decent person, but I think his Government is a very, very poor government,’’ Mr Hawke said.

“They don’t seem to have any cohesive plan and chop and change.

“I’m terribly concerned about global warming, I think it’s one of the great issues of the world.

“It’s the sort of thing we have to try our very best to get a bipartisan constructive approach.”

Along with wife Blanche d’Alpuget, the long-retired leader turns reveller for six days, blending into the crowd at the music and arts event.

The pair are also both part of the program, giving separate talks.

Bob Hawke enjoys a cigar over his crossword at Woodford. Picture: Megan Slade

“(When I’m at Woodford) I relax, cool out, and enjoy the wide variety of entertainment, serious talks, music, comedy and the relaxed atmosphere,” Mr Hawke said.

He also smokes cigars and tackles crossword puzzles in his downtime between shows.

Former Labor minister Peter Garrett was another former politician getting back his groove in the Grande tent while watching Powderfinger’s Darren Middleton.

Originally published as Hip Hawkey enjoys a toke with some folk at his sixth Woodford festival