Robert J Hawke

Reforms, becoming a folk hero and the first most popular Australian of his time.

In the international labour organisation he led the workers of the Western world in opposition to atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the pacific, and was acclaimed as a fighter for human rights – and, champion of his great love, Israel. Hawke’s devotion of Israel nearly destroyed his career.

While he was president of the ALP he sought to heal its wounds after the sacking of the Whitlam government – and in his capacity as union leader he held back potentially violent industrial action over his most divisive issue. Those who read this biography will come to know Hawke intimately.