Function and purpose

Series M3857 contains papers maintained by the Hon Robert “Bob” James Lee Hawke during his time as Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment and Youth Affairs and later as Leader of the Opposition. The records were created in the late 1970s and early 1980s (prior to the Australian Labor Party coming to power in 1983). The majority of the records are papers prepared for use for topical questions during parliamentary Question Time. The subjects covered are wide and varied and include: the economy; Defence; industrial relations; immigration; taxation; Aboriginal affairs; and, education. In addition to topical papers, the series contains: Mr Hawke’s maiden speech to the House of Representatives; speeches delivered by him as a Shadow Minister and as the Leader of the Opposition; a 1972 appointments diary; and, papers relating to the Commonwealth Employees (Employment Provisions) Act 1977.

Sources

NAA: CP 390; Hon Robert James Lee HAWKE AC

National Archives of Australia, ‘Bob Hawke - Before office’; National Archives of Australia, http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/primeministers/hawke/before-office.aspx, accessed 14 November 2016

Wikipedia, ‘Bob Hawke’, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hawke, accessed 14 November 2016