THE HON. JOHN HEWSON
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

Dr Hewson, thanks for joining us.

Pleasure.

Are you a nice man?

Yes, I think I’m a nice man. I think I’m a very nice man.

You seem like a nice man.

Yes, I think I’m a pretty nice man.

Yes.

I don’t think you’re such a bad bloke either, as a matter of interest. (They both laugh.)

What do you do in your spare time? What’s a typical sort of day for John Hewson?

Well, I don’t know that there is such a thing as a typical day.

Oh, touché. You enjoy jogging, I think, don’t you?

Yes, I do. I like going for a run.

That’s fantastic. A run. You enjoy jogging.

Yes, I get into my running gear and I go for a run.

What would your running gear consist of?

Shoes, shorts and a top.

Are you any good?

I’m not exactly Herb Alpert, but…

Herb Elliot.

(Extends his hand.) John Hewson, Herb. I’m a great admirer of your work.

How do you think you’re going at the moment, politically?

I think we’re going very well.

You had a ten-point lead in the opinion polls at one stage, didn’t you?

Yes, we’ve got that down to a five-point deficit just with a bit of cost cutting.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) All clear Race 5.

Pardon?

So you’d be pretty pleased with the way things are going at the moment?

I’m delighted with the progress so far this year, yes. It’s been a very successful period for both me and…

The Liberal Party?

Yes, it’s not going badly for them either.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) Protest Race 6, second against first, alleging interference.

Listen, are you the senior political journalist around here? I’m the leader of the opposition. I get the impression I’m not dealing with the head honcho here.

Yes. You’ll be staying on in the leadership for a while?

I’ll lead the party in the next election.

Really?

And probably the one after that.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) No running near the pool. That boy.

Excuse me?

You’ll be the leader, you’re saying?

Yes. I’ve said that.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) That boy running! Get out of the pool!

Would you mind listening to what I’m saying? Please. This is very important.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) Come in boat number 63, your time is up. What about the election after that?

Yes, and the one after that.

We’re talking about the year 3004.

Yes, I’ll still lead the party at that time.

You will lead the party into the March 3004 election? You’ll be over a thousand years old.

Listen, pal. I don’t care how old I am. I’m going to stay here till I win one.

(Bryan speaks into another microphone.) Where is boat number 63?

I’ve had enough of this. You’re not interested in what I’ve got to say.

I am, Dr Hewson. Can I ask you a question?

Is it sensible?

It’s very sensible.

Yes, then.

Did you take out boat number 63?

Yes.

Dr Hewson, I’m afraid your time is up.