Bob Hawke

“Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.”

“My whole life has been a subscription to the idea that you're a better person for being a member of a union.”

“The essence of my political life was to be a consensus politician.”

“There are no circumstances in which Australia will ever allow its soil to be a repository for other people's nuclear filth.”

“By 1990, no Australian child will be living in poverty.”

“If this Government cannot get the adjustment... then Australia is basically done for. We will end up being a third rate economy... a banana republic.”

“The world will not wait for us.”

“The pillars of our foreign policy are our alliance with the United States and our comprehensive engagement with Asia.”

“The things which are most important don't always scream the loudest.”

“Do you know why I have credibility? Because I don't exude morality.”