Andrew Peacock talks politics on TEN news
David Johnston: Today we have a very big guest on channel 10 news, shadow foreign minister, Andrew Peacock, hello Mr Peacock.
Andrew Peacock: Good afternoon David.
David Johnston: So Andrew, let's settle right in, and I think the viewers would want to know your opinion of the Australia Card passing in the Senate.
Andrew Peacock: It's absolutely appalling, and the Senate should be ashamed for what they did.
David Johnson: And what's that?
Andrew Peacock: They past an act in which the government get's more details than ever on it's citizens. The Liberals that voted for this "reform" as they would call it, have much more to answer for, as they should be the limited government fellows the Liberals are. They used the auspices of protecting the people from social rots. I tell you, this "Australia card" is a big fraud, used by the government to get information off the people, and control them even more.
David Johnson: That's very interesting Mr Peacock. I think the people also want to hear your response to what the Prime Minister said yesterday afternoon. He stated that, quote; "This is a massive moment in Australia's history, and that this could be the beginning of major
economic recovery".
Andrew Peacock: I can tell everyone now that's a total lie, something Hawke's been good at recently. What economic recovery is there to be had under the Australia card. Does Hawke think, or even believe that stopping tax evasion will cause the government to begin a national surplus. It will do no such thing. under the Liberal parties plan, we will stop Hawke's attacks on business, and end major government regulation of corporations. This will open up Australia to international trade. With China slowly getting cracked open, we can begin major trade with our neighbour to the north, and are GDP will begin to rise. Socialism does not work in Australia, and only the economic policy of the coalition will help boost Australia's economy to what it once was!
Network TEN news, April 9, 1987
April 17, 1987:
Today, the relatively quiet leader of the Australian Democrats who has, for the most part, been left out of major talks involving the economy and Australia Card, has spoken out about herself an her parties position. She questioned Peacock's position, stating that a full free-market system would collapse Australia's economy, as it would be like "handing the keys of power over to a madman", this madman being large corporations. However, she went on to say that Peacock was right about the government's "extreme" regulation of business, and even went on to state Australia's regulation of business is "akin to that of Russia".
Later on, she began discussing social policy, and the Australia card. "It is an abomination, but a necessary one", she said, "despite its flaws, we must combat tax evasion any which way we can, and the Australian Democrats position is that of progression and reform. The Australia card must be reformed so it doesn't infiltrate the lives of hard working Australian's, but can still preform the function of stopping tax evasion".
When asked about her and her parties position on other social matter's she stated, "The Australian democrats are a progressive party, and wish to stay that way. We must, however, remain vigilant of social ills like drugs and prostitution. These must be combated against to the best of our abilities. The government must be held accountable for the deaths of people cause by these major problems. We must detain and remove drug users, as well as not just holding drugs, but destroying them. The government must also fight back against prostitution, as they are a major cause in spreading the AIDS pandemic, and they must be prosecuted as criminals due to their relation to this disease".
Hawke's comments about Peacock leaked!
"A sleezy politician doing what he does best, lying"
Hawke looking clearly frustrated in a meeting with Labor party members
John Howard speaks on morning radio
"Hawke's comments are disgraceful and absolutely unprofessional"
Janine Haines mocks the Hawke/Howard rivalry
The Democrats leader mocks the leaders rivalry in The Bulletin
Opinion Polls Released
New Polls release show considerable swing in Howard's favour, Hawke still in the lead
"Better Prime Minister"
- Bob Hawke: 45%
- John Howard: 39%
- Janine Haines: 7%
- Other: 5%
"Better House of Representatives Party"
- Labor: 48%
- Coalition (Liberal/National): 47%
- Other: 5%
"Better Political Party"
- Labor: 39%
- Liberal: 37%
- National: 15%
- Australian Democrats: 6%
- Other: 4%
"Bob Hawke Job Satisfaction"
- Satisfied: 43%
- Dissatisfied: 41%