Sentiments on Australia’s influential political figures

Andrew Peacock reflects on some of the figures with whom he crossed paths in parliament from 1966 to 1994.

Prime minister Bob Hawke Andrew Peacock duel with sissors at the opening of the radio alley in the new press gallery at Parliament House.

Andrew Peacock reflects on some of the figures with whom he crossed paths in parliament from 1966 to 1994

John Gorton

“A wonderful, extraordinary man, courageous in war and courageous in peace. I hold him in the highest regard. I knew his flaws — we all had them — but he had a decency and honesty of purpose.”

Billy McMahon

“Billy McMahon was much better than he has been painted. He was difficult, irascible, nervous yet capable. But the last step, being prime minister, was a struggle for him. He is somewhat ill-treated by history.”

Gough Whitlam

“A towering figure and I have huge respect for him. I crossed the floor several times to vote with him. I give him full marks for recognising China — that was a crucial first step for this country.”

With Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser in 1982. Picture: Alan Porritt

Malcolm Fraser

“I have a deep respect and pleasurable memories of the first five years of the Fraser government. I disagreed with him later on but during that period in the 1970s he was a very effective prime minister. Malcolm took the second step in really driving the relationship with China, which Gough started, and he doesn’t get enough credit for that. I ended up having a lot of difficulties with Malcolm over Kampuchea (Cambodia) and other things but despite all my arguments with him later on I am filled with admiration for his efforts on China.”

Bob Hawke

“I don’t speak with the same warmth about Hawke although of course I wish him well at the moment. I got on very well with him when he was a union leader but later on I was leader of Her Majesty’s loyal opposition and my role was to oppose him so that became part of it and it’s hard to separate that — all your pursuit of person and party. He was a good prime minister but I had various disagreements with him and I don’t put him up there with Fraser.”

Paul Keating

“I never really had any dealings with him.”

On Keating’s question over Peacock: Can a souffle rise twice?

“I don’t care about that. That means nothing. As career politicians, people are paid to say those things. I have no problems at all with that.”

With John Howard in 1984.

John Howard

“He did a very sound and good job as prime minister, much better than I expected. He was a very good prime minister and I’ve got great respect for his period in that role. We had all sorts of fights but it seems to me so different to today.”

Kevin Rudd

“I was not a member of his fan club.”

Julia Gillard

“I had a lot of respect for her — tough job.”

Tony Abbott

“I don’t want to criticise Tony personally, he’s not a bad bloke. But once it’s over, get out. However, Tony had all sorts of other factors there and I like Tony.”

Malcolm Turnbull

“Apart from Malcolm being a friend, I genuinely thought he could turn things around. I know he was going through a difficult phase but I happened to be in that camp who thought he could make it.”

Scott Morrison

“I don’t know Scott Morrison well and the task is ahead of him, but he’s trying to get on with it. I wish him well.”

Bill Shorten

“He has stuck at it a long time. I remember when I was minister for industrial relations. He would not be surprised to hear me say I don’t want him to win. So I won’t let my mind run to it if he does.”

Cameron Stewart

With first wife, Susan, in 1969.