THE HON. BOB HAWKE
PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

Mr Hawke, it’s been quite something this week, hasn’t it?

It’s been fantastic. It’s been one of the great things you could ever go through as an Australian. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

What do you think is the significance of the Gallipoli experience?

It’s a unique experience in Australian history. A lot of lessons. I think the main lesson is that we as Australians have got to control our own destiny. We must never again allow ourselves to be put in the position of being ordered to do things by other people—not our idea, we don’t control it, and frequently we’re not even told the full story. It’s a unique experience and that’s a very valuable lesson.

Is the experience unique, though?

Totally unique in Australian history.

What about Bullecourt?

Aside from Bullecourt. Bullecourt was very like it.

Fromelles?

And Fromelles, yes. Aside from Bullecourt and Fromelles, totally unique.

And what about the Somme?

And the Somme. Take those three out and it’s unique.

Passchendaele?

Well, take the First War out, then. It’s completely unique aside from the First War.

But what about Singapore?

And Singapore. First War—take them out and it’s a totally unique experience.

Cassino?

And Cassino. Well, take the Second War out as well, take both wars out. Outside war, it is a totally unique experience.

What about Maralinga?

Outside war and Maralinga, obviously, but the lesson’s the same at all times. We as Australians have got to control our own destiny. We must never again get in the position of being ordered to do things by a lot of other people.

On another subject, why is the consumption tax debate back on the agenda?

The OECD wants us to introduce one.

Why don’t we export more wheat?

The Americans won’t allow it.

Why don’t we sell more beef?

The Japanese don’t want us to.

What’s happening at Nurrunga?

I don’t know, I haven’t seen the forecast.

North-West Cape?

Nobody knows what’s happening there.

Finally, Mr Hawke, what about the boys who never came back, the Diggers who never returned. What do you think they would think of Australia’s position now?

I don’t know, it’s difficult to say. I’d be speculating.

Well speculate. Would they be for it or against it?

Dead against it, I would think.

Yes. (Looks out the porthole.) What’s that big thing out there?

That? That’s a wing. There’s another one out the other side.

Where?

(Both look.)

Well, there was earlier.