Bob Hawke defends philosophy of whatever it takes

BOB Hawke says political parties must consider doing whatever they can to win elections, even if it means changing leaders.

BOB Hawke says political parties must consider doing whatever they can to win elections, even if it means changing leaders.

"Political parties are about winning government. It would be a dereliction of their duty if they failed to do all they could to win an election. That would be a negation of everything that politics is about."

Mr Hawke was commenting on his leadership challenge to Bill Hayden in an exclusive interview with The Weekend Australian to mark 30 years since he became Labor leader.

But former health minister Neal Blewett said the leadership coup was a "moral turning point" that had "cursed" Labor.

"The events of 1983 are a moral turning point in the history of the federal Labor Party, marking as it did the triumph of the 'whatever it takes to win' philosophy. Never before had a successful Labor opposition leader been denied his opportunity to become prime minister."

Mr Blewett also paid tribute to Mr Hawke. "While I had no doubt Hayden would have won the 1983 election," he said, "it is difficult to see any other Labor leader but Hawke winning four consecutive elections."

In February 1983, Mr Hayden was persuaded to stand aside.

"I felt elated," Mr Hawke said. "I also understood how Bill felt. There was a sense of sadness as Bill had done so many good things for the party. But I was absolutely convinced that I had a better chance of winning the election."

An election was called the day Mr Hayden resigned and Mr Hawke became prime minister four weeks later.